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The sun spilled warmly over the zoo entrance, casting long, golden shadows on the pavement. Claire and Leon stood side by side, watching Sherry’s eyes light up like a kid in a candy store.
“Happy 17th birthday, Sherry,” Claire said softly, gently patting her shoulder.
Leon couldn’t help but smile at the two of them. It had taken a lot of effort to get Sherry here, with her still under government custody all these years after Raccoon City. Still, occasionally Leon was allowed to take her out for a few days each month – they owed him that much.
During those short pockets of time, he, Sherry, and Claire tried to cram in as many family activities as they could.
Leon wished they could’ve been a normal family. He wished that chance hadn’t been ripped away from them. But right now, they were all happy, and that counted for something.
Sherry grinned, clutching the small brown backpack Leon had insisted she bring. “I can’t believe you guys actually planned this. I thought you were just gonna bake a cake again.”
Leon laughed. “Well, cake is still on the agenda. Just need to hope that the third time’s the charm.”
“Or maybe we should find a new recipe. Y'know, one that won’t collapse while baking?” Claire said, rubbing Leon’s arm in a silent request to hold his hand.
He offered it without hesitation, and she took it, their fingers interlocking as they made their way through the entrance.
They wandered past the monkeys and meerkats before finally reaching the aviary, a lush tropical enclosure filled with colourful birds.
“Hey, look at this one!” Sherry said, pointing to a bright blue and yellow parrot perched on a branch.
“How’dya!” A friendly keeper in a tan uniform approached, holding out a leather glove. “Wanna hold a bird?” she offered.
Sherry’s eyes widened at the chance. “Really? Me?”
“Absolutely,” the keeper smiled. “She’s gentle.”
Sherry carefully extended her arm, and the parrot hopped onto her gloved hand. The bird tilted its head, inspecting her with curious eyes.
Leon, quick on the draw, pulled out his camera. “Say cheese!” he said softly.
Sherry laughed, a clear, joyful sound that warmed his heart. Claire’s smile widened beside him as she leaned in slightly.
The parrot, as if joining the fun, let out a sharp mimic call, almost like it was saying “Cheese!”
Claire caught Leon’s eye. “She’s really growing up, huh?”
“Yeah. I guess everything’s happening faster than I expected.” Leon nodded.
Before meeting these two, Leon hadn’t taken many photos. He hadn’t really had anyone to take them with.
But standing here now with them, he realised these were more than just pictures – they were moments worth capturing.