Chapter 22

I drive into the school parking lot, peaking at the mirror in front of me and staring at my kids in the back seat.

“Okay, babies, you’re in school now.” I smile; I can’t help smiling hard whenever I stare at them, because they're apparently the only reason I’m striving to be a strong and happy woman.

I take off my seat belt, jump out of the car, and pull the door open. They step out in an orderly fashion until I shut the door, holding them protectively as I approach the hallway.

I stop at the entrance of the hallway and wave them goodbye after giving each of them kisses on the forehead.

I stand in the same spot, watching them walk to their class just by the corner; it’s barely a distance from the alley.

I watch them enter the class and finally turn away from the entrance of the hallway. I saunter towards the office on the left corner, just when you are almost on your way out of the hallway.

I stop at the office and give it a slight knock until I hear a female voice telling me to come.