Chapter 23 - Reaching New Heights
A year after that fateful Saturday flight that changed our lives forever, my agency celebrated its first major corporate milestone: opening a brand-new, modern studio space in downtown Seattle overlooking Elliott Bay.
The office was bright, airy, and filled with vibrant green plants, sleek minimalist workstations, and framed awards celebrating our regional design work. To celebrate, Sarah and the rest of the team organized a surprise afternoon reception, complete with gourmet pastries, sparkling cider, and a custom cake shaped like a soaring commercial jetliner.
Mason, now eight years old and taller, sat proudly in a leather armchair near the window, sketching airplanes in a fresh notebook while my clients and colleagues mingled around us.
"To Elena," Sarah raised her glass during a brief toast, looking around the room with admiration. "For showing us all what true resilience, creativity, and leadership look like. Here's to soaring higher than ever."
"Hear, hear!" the team chorused, clinking glasses across the room.
I smiled, thanking everyone warmly before walking over to where Mason was meticulously coloring the wings of his jetliner. I knelt down beside his chair, resting my chin on my hands.
"Whatcha drawing, captain?" I asked softly.
Mason looked up, his bright eyes sparkling with pure, unadulterated happiness. "It’s a new kind of airplane, Mom. One that flies all the way around the world without ever needing to land for bad weather."
"That sounds like an amazing machine," I laughed, kissing his cheek. "Where is it flying to first?"
May you like
"Everywhere," Mason grinned widely. "With you and me in first class, window seats, all the way."
I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him close as the afternoon sun poured through the massive bay windows, casting a golden glow across the entire room.
