"They'll love you," I reply without hesitation. "Just be yourself and I know you'll make friends in no time."
Yara takes a deep breath and gives a determined nod. As we reach the entrance, she pauses and glances back at me one more time.
"You can do this," I encourage. After a moment, her lips curve into a small, brave smile. Then she turns and walks through the doors, her head held high.
I watch her go, heart swelling with pride. My little girl, so resilient. This is just the first step in her new life here, and she's already facing it with courage.
The other school, the one Gerald enrolled her in, might have better credentials, but the kids were mean and she deserves to go somewhere a little lighter and more carefree.
Education is important, but so is happiness, and safety, and security, and a sense of belonging.
Over the next few days, Yara gradually begins to open up about her school experiences. Each afternoon when I pick her up, she bubbles over with stories about her day.
"...And then Lily shared her cookies with me at lunch!" she exclaims one evening. "She's really nice. I think we're going to be best friends."
Hearing Yara sound so happy and carefree again brings me immense joy. She's adapting quickly, making connections. Thriving.
This is a far cry from her experience at the other school, and a testament to her resilience.
One day, she bursts out of the front doors, grinning from ear to ear. "Mama, I made a new friend today!" she shouts.
As we walk to the car, she chatters on animatedly about a girl named Leah. "She likes horses too, and she has the coolest unicorn backpack! Oh, and we're going to work on a project together in class... and our teacher is really nice, and she taught everyone about my name and a bit about where we're from. And everyone thought it was really cool, and…"
I can't stop smiling as I listen to her tales, each new friendship and positive tale about an experience in class a balm to my soul.
My brave, resilient girl. She has so much joy and light within her, and now she's free to share it with the world.
As I watch Yara blossom in her new environment, I find my thoughts drifting more and more to Morello.
During quiet moments, memories of our time together come flooding back. His steadfast courage in the face of danger. The warmth and kindness in his eyes when he looked at me. The way he made me feel truly safe for the first time in years.
I can't deny that I miss him. That I think about reaching out. But a pang of guilt always follows. I should be focusing all my energy on Yara, on making sure she has the stable, loving home she deserves. And I should leave him to focus on his career.
One night after tucking Yara into bed with a story and a kiss on her forehead, I go to the living room and sink down onto the couch. Sipping chamomile tea, I stare into the darkness outside the window.
My emotions churn within me, a stormy sea of joy, longing, and doubt.
I'm ecstatic to see Yara so happy here. Her bright spirit fills me with hope.
But my heart aches too. Late at night, when she's asleep, the loneliness sets in. I yearn for companionship. For Morello's steadying presence.
Should I really be thinking about him so much? Wanting him here?
No, Yara has to be my priority. Her needs come first. But...maybe my needs matter too.
The thought surprises me, and I let it sink in. It's not selfish to want happiness for myself as well. To want love again.
With a sigh, I set down my empty teacup. My feelings remain complicated, but realization dawns that embracing my own joy doesn't diminish Yara's. Her resilience amazes me daily.
Perhaps it's time I find some of my own.
I reach for my phone, scrolling to my mom's number. She answers on the second ring.
"Hi sweetie, everything okay?" Her warm, familiar voice instantly puts me at ease.
"Yeah, we're good. Just..." I hesitate. "I've been thinking about Morello a lot. I feel guilty wanting something for myself when I should be focused on Yara."
"Oh honey," she says gently. "Of course you want love again. Needing companionship doesn't make you selfish. It makes you human."