Despite the fact that Kevin’s resolution was instantaneous, the social worker was unclear.
In a soft voice, she explained, “Adoption is not an easy process.” “Especially in situations such as this one. As a result of Elsie’s condition, she requires continuous care, which is a time-consuming process. Are you certain that you are prepared for this? In light of your own… She stumbled over her words, her eyes brimming with sadness. With a calm tone, Kevin nodded his head. Despite the fact that I don’t have a lot of time, I want to give her as much of it as I possibly can. I have experienced what it is like to feel isolated via this. The worker gave him a momentary look before nodding his head in agreement. It is imperative that you have complete confidence in this matter, Kevin, before we begin the process. As a result of everything that she has gone through, she is not easily trusted. The fact did not dissuade Kevin. Over the course of the subsequent few weeks, he paid Elsie a visit at every available opportunity, bringing items from his bakery such as cookies, cupcakes, and croissants. When she initially met him, she refused to even look at him. However, his perseverance eventually brought her to her knees. The day came when Elsie finally spoke, and it was while he was placing a frosted cupcake on the table in front of her. She addressed him in a low voice, “Why do you keep coming here?” without making eye contact with him. Knelt down next to her was Kevin. The reason for this is that I enjoy spending time with you, Elsie. I am aware of how terrifying it is to have the impression that the entire world has forgotten about you. Her tiny hands were firmly gripping the cupcake, and she smiled for the very first time, although a very slight one. A Brand New Family ### The adoption procedure was sped up because of the circumstances surrounding the adoption. Following the completion of the paperwork, Kevin brought Elsie back to his house. The walls were painted in her favorite color, which was a gentle lavender, and the room was filled with books and cuddly animals. He completely transformed the guest room into a warm and inviting haven. Their days turned into a combination of happiness and difficulties. Elsie learned how to bake from Kevin, who assisted her in kneading dough and demonstrating how to pipe frosting. She shone with pleasure when she decorated her first cake, and she laughed uproariously when she discovered that flour had gotten into her hair. On the other hand, Elsie instructed Kevin on how to appreciate the insignificant things in life, such as watching clouds, sketching goofy sketches, and smiling at nothing in particular. Their connection deepened, but so did the burden of the truth that they both experienced. The health of Kevin started to deteriorate, and Elsie was required to make frequent trips to the hospital. Despite this, they faced it together, never allowing hopelessness to take hold of them. This is the birthday wish. ### Her ninth birthday was celebrated exactly six months after Elsie had moved into her new home. Kevin arranged for a little party to be held at the bakery, and he invited everyone from her favorite nurses to social workers to new friends. The moment she extinguished the candles on her cake, she turned her attention to Kevin. With a sly smirk on her face, she stated, “I made a wish.” While he was ruffling her hair, he asked, “What was it that you wished for?” It was with a rolling of her eyes that she said, “You are not supposed to tell.” On the other hand, I wished that we might remain together forever. His throat became more constricted. It’s a pretty good wish, kiddo,” the speaker said. A Decade of Love as a Legacy
After a period of three months, Kevin passed away in a calm and peaceful manner at home, with Elsie by his side. Just before he left, he left her a note and a gift, which was a recipe book that had all of their favorite baked goods, along with a note that read:
“You, my dear Elsie, have provided me with the most wonderful days of my life. Maintain your smile, continue to bake, and always bear in mind that love is the secret ingredient in everything that we do. I will never be separated from you in the things that we have created together.* It was a surprise to everyone that Elsie lived for a longer period of time than anyone had anticipated. When she took over Kevin’s bakery, she renamed it “Kevin & Elsie’s Sweet Haven,” thereby carrying on the history that Kevin had established. There was one wish that she made on her birthday every year, and that was to always remember the guy who taught her how to love and be loved, even in the face of the most difficult trials that life could throw at her.