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The ocean stretches out before me, a deep blue expanse that shimmers under the afternoon sun. The waves roll in lazily, the salty breeze ruffling Ellie’s curls as she sprints across the sand, football clutched tightly in her arms. I can’t believe two years have passed.

“Come on, Dad!” she shouts, kicking up sand as she turns on her heel, holding the ball away like she’s protecting it from a full defensive line. “You’re getting slow!”