I smile. During those months, my daughter learned to read me like an open book. Her tenderness is a reminder that, no matter what happens, I have an immense reason to keep going.
“A little bit, sweetheart. But I'll be okay.”
I promised her, and silently promised myself.
Because yes, my love story ended. But my story as a woman, as a mother, as Michelle, is just beginning.
And this time, I'll be the one to write my own happy ending.
“Michelle, your cousin Luisa is having a small party for her twins and Candace is invited. Do you think she can come with us?”
My mother looks at me expectantly, but before I respond, my eyes search for my daughter. Candace watches me with her face bright with excitement, not saying a word, but her expression says it all.
I sigh softly, remembering that w
