oming refuge for her and Camilla, filled with laughter and the pitter-patter of tiny feet. They shared evenings filled with

ke atmosphere even while he was away. Each morning began with pancakes shaped like din

of the past few years lift, as if

g period in

oduce both Clara and her daughter to his daughter, Amel

erflies fluttering in her stomach. "I m

hen counter, a reassuring smile playing on his lips. "Amelia is a

pared to pick up Amelia, the anticipation bubbled inside her. Would the

ara was greeted by the sight of a bright-eyed gi

ce radiating warmth. "And this is Clara , who will be taki

d, kneeling down to her. "D

nodded eagerly. "Yeah! I have a bunch of crayons

moment, she felt a swell of gratitude, watching how seamlessly they connected, their laughter fill

owers with blocks, crafting colorful drawings, and even stagin

eir blossoming friendship. Work wasn't just about caring for Camill

room, Maximo gathered everyone for a little surprise. "I thought it would be fun to h

n delight, and even Clara cou

the girls got along. They laughed at the animated characters on screen, cuddled under blankets, and even shared popcorn, obli

cked it, glancing up at Clara with a serious expression. "Sorry, I h

and she was starting to think of Maximo not just as a fleeting memory from one night, but as the anchor she didn'

" she whispered a

shaking his head. "I'll b

stomach

ng? For h

e was sincere, but there was an e

the urge to feel vulnerable. "I mean, wi

firmed, his expression earnest. "Bu

their evenings and had grown fond of them being around one another. The thought of Maximo being away

nto her own little cocoon of blankets, her eyes heavy with sl

here," Clara replied softly, brushing

too?" Camilla asked, her voi

hing slightly. "He'll be back soon. But for

folding chapters of their lives. Would this week without him bring the

hed the light and settled into silence, hoping h

as a nanny by day and a mother by night, she missed Maximo's presence-his humor, his warmth, and the way he moved through life with purpose.

ing with excitement. "Can we call him?" she'd implore, and Clara w

ays. Hearing the connection between the girls and Maximo reassured Clara that their relationshi

ed to become. As the sun set on the last day of Maximo's trip, she looked out the window, feeling a knot of ant

buzzed-a message from Maximo lighting up the screen. "

atter the challenges ahead, they were on this journey together. And though she s