Chapter 20 Walk

• Victoria parked her car in the school lot, glancing at the clock on her dashboard. She was early, but she preferred it that way—better to settle in and avoid awkward small talk with the other parents. She stepped out, smoothing down her blouse, and headed toward the entrance, the faint hum of children’s laughter in the distance pulling a small smile to her lips.
• The parents-teacher event was already buzzing when she arrived. Brightly colored posters lined the walls, and the chatter of proud parents mingled with the occasional cries of younger siblings. Victoria scanned the room until she spotted Ethan’s class.
• “Mom!” Ethan’s voice broke through the noise as he ran up to her, his face lighting up with excitement. He hugged her around the waist, and for a moment, the weight of the past few weeks melted away.