She gives me a smile, hides her book in her backpack, and stands up from the chair. She walks up to me, and we stare at each other for a minute. I’m not sure either of us understands how crucial this moment is, because I’m about to share something really private with her. I step aside, and she moves into the room, lingering by the door to wait for me. I join her, take her hand in mine, and we move toward my mom. Her eyes are sparkling, and the biggest grin plays on her lips as she lets her eyes wander over Ava. “Mom, this is Ava.” I speak quietly, my heart booming. “Ava, this is my mom,
...more
