Ava's sticky fingers tug at my blazer. "Mommy, can the prince come?"I freeze mid-step in the preschool parking lot. Another mother—blonde highlights with yoga pants—hovers near her SUV, smiles too bright."The Fall Festival," she calls out, waving her phone. "Next weekend. All families will come." Her pause lands deliberate. "Partners, grandparents, the whole crew."The word drops between us like a test.She bounces on her toes, princess dress twirling. "Can he come see my classroom?"The blonde watches. Three other mothers stop loading their kids into cars while their ears strain toward us."We'll see, baby."
Last Updated : 2025-10-31 Read more