Chapter 109

The morning air was crisp, cool enough to wake every sense, yet gentle with the kind of softness that made me want to slow down. I guided Lily through the school hallway, my hand resting gently on her shoulder as she adjusted her slightly crooked backpack. Her little feet tapped against the tile floor with each step, her curls bouncing with each excited turn of her head. She suddenly stopped, turned to face me, and wrapped her arms around my waist tightly. “Mommy,” she whispered, her voice barely louder than the breeze slipping through the open front doors. “Goodbye… love you.” I crouched down and pressed a kiss to her soft cheek. “Love you too,” I whispered with a smile. She beamed and waved once more before walking into her classroom, disappearing behind the door painted with tiny stars and cheerful drawings. I stood in the hallway for a moment longer than I needed to. Something about watching her walk away always left a little tug on my heart. When I finally turned, I took a deep br