#20 Maria
Maria was 55. Her hair had yet to turn grey and the natural brown roots could be seen beneath the blonde.
Little Jacob toddled along in front of her, kicking the junior size football, nearly falling over with each kick.
She smiled down at the little boy, her face peaceful. She was not a beautiful woman by any stretch of the imagination, but such happiness can brighten even the dullest complexion.
Most of what Alexi gave me was bad.
But at least he gave me Laura.
And Laura gave me Jacob.
Jacob makes up for everything.