My son, who was nearing the end of his battle, asked the intimidating biker in the hospital waiting area to hold him instead of me. I’m his mom.

Mike looked at me. “I’ll go slow. Just around the block.”

I hesitated, every instinct protective. But then I realized joy mattered more than fear. I nodded. “Go ahead.”

Engines roared, and Mike carried Liam in front of him, shielded by fourteen riders forming a protective circle. Around the block they went, laughter and wind blending into a moment of pure freedom.

When they returned, Liam’s face glowed.
“Mama, I was flying!”

“You were, sweetheart. You really were.”

That was the last time I saw him so radiant. Four days later, he passed quietly at home, his dog curled beside him.

At the funeral, thirty motorcycles lined the lot. Riders from Mike’s club and neighboring towns stood in solemn formation, heads bowed. They didn’t enter the church but followed the hearse to the cemetery.

At the graveside, Mike handed me a folded flag.
“This flew on my bike during our last veterans’ ride,” he said. “Liam’s one of us now.”

I broke down. Mike held me steady.

“He loved you,” I whispered. “You gave him peace.”

“He was strong,” Mike said. “Stronger than any of us. It was an honor to know him.”

Eight months later, Mike and his club still check in. They’ve fixed my car, brought meals, and invited me to join their annual toy run—just like Liam always wanted.

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