AXL

We step inside the house, the usual familiar scent of our home now infused with the sweet smell of vanilla frosting and a much less appealing hint of latex. At least half of the two dozen balloons Xavier and I blew up a half hour ago bob across the floor, lifted by the spring breeze that followed us inside. A banner with the word Congratulations emblazoned in pink glittery letters hangs over the kitchen doorway at the end of the hall.