There were also beautiful moments.
Andrea was having trouble with math.
Emily, who was an engineer by training, helped her with her homework without anyone asking.
“Thank you, Mrs. Emily,” Andrea had said with a smile.
And Emily, Teresa told me, started crying afterward.
Because for the first time in months, someone had sincerely thanked her for something.
The children, of course, were the easy part of this whole equation.
Sarah had a new best friend.
Michael had an older brother figure who taught him bike tricks.
And both, in their childhood innocence, were rebuilding bridges that the adults had burned.
One Sunday, a month after the move, Daniel invited me over for lunch.
“At the house,” he said. “Teresa is making mole. She says it’s your favorite.”
I hesitated.
“Mom,” Daniel pleaded, “please. The kids miss you, and I… I need you to see that I’m trying.”
