To keep a spark inside a little girl who had lost everything.

Our love for her runs deep, which is why I have kept my mouth shut all these years. Sure, I made a promise to Kyle and ‘did what I needed to do’ but it has always been more than that. Heck at the time I was only thirteen; I panicked, I was scared. All I knew was she needed someone in her corner. It took until Kinsley was sixteen years old for her relationship to finally break down with her mother; for her to get out of her toxic hold — it was only then she found herself again. Her spark had returned and, from that moment on, I have done everything to keep it burning bright.

When I look back up at Mum, she is leaning against the porch railing, waving with a big cheesy grin on her face. Even from here, I can see a few extra lines around her eyes. She says she isn’t lonely here by herself, and that the garden and animals keep her company. I do believe her, though part of me will always feel guilty for moving into the city and away from her. But Mums somehow always know, even before you tell them. She knows the promise I made to Kyle and she knows I would do anything for Kinsley.

Everyone knows me to be the kind-hearted, goofy one. A teacher. The guy with a cute dog. Deep down, I know I have the ability to tear the gentle version of myself to pieces. I would go to war for Kinsley if I needed to, and something tells me the enemy is approaching.

“Oh, look at you!” Mum fusses, taking Kinsley’s hand and twirling her in a circle. “As beautiful as ever.”

Kinsley laughs, smiles freely and pulls Mum into a hug. “I’m so sorry; it really has been far too long between visits.”

I clear my throat and they both turn to me, Kinsley stepping back so that I can wrap my mother up in my arms. I tower over her now and I know despite what she says, she secretly loves it.

“I’m glad to see you brought our girl home,” Mum whispers against my chest.

“Please behave yourself,” I say; stepping back and looking over her from top to bottom before ushering them both inside the house. “I’ll make you some lunch, Ma, don’t want you wasting away.”

She swats at my chest with a chuckle. “You will do no such thing, Jesse. I have everything prepared.”

There is nothing frail about the woman, Marie Fernandez has always been the strongest person I know, both emotionally and physically. I will never stop teasing her though, I love the way it riles her up.