“Oh, before we begin,” She then pulls out a pink and purple pillow. “Ari, your grandmother told me you like to prop your leg up when you learn, so last night, I crocheted this support pillow. I hope you like it.”

The gesture nearly brings Ariel to tears. No one has ever taken such care to understand her needs. Ari stares at it. Her lip trembles. For a split second, I think she might cry. Instead, she lunges forward and hugs Kerry tight.

“Thank you.” She whispers.

I exhale sharply, something tight settling in my chest.

“And what about me, Ms. Kind?” Sydney chimes in, not wanting to be left out.

“I definitely can’t forget about you,” Kerry responds, pulling out a set of utensils. “Your grandmother told me you’re as colorful as you are beautiful, so I designed these feather, scented pens just for you.”

Syd’s jaw drops. She and Ari inhale deeply, their faces lighting up with pure delight as they take in the different scents.

“Ooh!” Ari gasps.

“Ahhh!” Syd echoes.

They thank Kerry and eagerly begin their lessons, diving into the activities she’s prepared.

I step out of the room but observe from afar. The way Kerry fits into this house, into their lives, feels...natural. Her ability to connect with my daughters, not just as a teacher but as someone who genuinely cares for them, reassures me that maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of something beautiful, for all of us.

Chapter 7

Trial Run – Kerry

Mondays always bring their own kind of chaos, don’t they? Today has been no exception. I’ve somehow managed to complain about my potential employer to his own mother, bonded with the daughters of the man who’s been relentlessly invading my thoughts, and dove back into my passion—teaching. All things considered, I’d say this day is turning out quite remarkably.

Teaching again fills me with an exhilarating joy I hadn’t realized I’d missed so much. Unlike managing a classroom of twenty-five energetic kids, focusing on just two has its unique rewards. There’s Syd, who has stubborn streak, and Ari, who is determined to rely on her calculator as a shortcut through her math problems. Two inquisitive and very spirited girls. Oh, how I’ve missed this!

“Okay, girls! We’ve done so much this morning. Who’s ready for lunch?” I announce.

Syd shoots her hand up, excitement twinkling in her eyes. “Me! But I bet Dad’s still cooking.”

“Does he make your lunch every day?” I ask, my curiosity piqued by their enthusiasm.

Syd nods, her eyes lighting up. “Yeah, and it’s always super good. You’re going to love his food. We’re like his lab rats. He tests his new recipes on us.” The girls giggle, their laughter echoing warmly around the room.

“Syd, we’re his taste testers!” Ari playfully corrects her.