Zara woke with a tight knot of anxiety sitting heavy in her stomach. Today was the day.
She lay still for a moment, listening to the quiet, steady breathing of Leo beside her. He was curled up, tiny hands tucked under his chin, his dark lashes fanned against his soft cheeks.
For a moment, she considered just staying like this—holding onto their routine's quiet, normalcy. But she couldn't.
Swallowing down her nerves, she gently shook him awake."Leo, sweetheart. Time to get up."
He stirred, grumbling a little before blinking up at her with sleepy eyes. "Mornin', Mommy."
She smiled, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "Morning, baby. We have to get ready."
Leo cracked open one sleepy eye. "Go where?"
Zara hesitated. "Daycare."
"What's that?" He mumbled.
"A place where you get to play all day with other kids."
"And mommy?" He perked up, blinking at her.
"No baby, just you and your new friends."
Leo immediately sat up, his little body stiffening. "No."
Her heart clenched.
