Page 13

Grace

I smooth down Willow's hair for the fifth time this morning, tucking a stray strand behind her ear. She squirms under my touch, impatient.

"Grace, you already fixed my hair," she whines, bouncing on her toes. "Can we go now? Please?"

I take a deep breath, my hands hovering uncertainly before dropping to my sides. "Let me check your backpack one more time."

"You already checked it three times!" Willow protests, but she shrugs off her backpack anyway, handing it to me with an exaggerated sigh.

I unzip it, cataloging the contents again: notebook, pencil case, lunch box, water bottle, the small stuffed wolf Eli gave her, and the emergency contact card with my number, Eli's number, and the address of the cabin. Everything is exactly where it should be, just like it was five minutes ago.

"Okay," I say, zipping it back up. "I think we're good."

Willow snatches the backpack from my hands, her eyes bright with excitement. "Finally!"

I hear a soft chuckle from the doorway and turn to see Eli leaning against the frame, arms crossed over his chest, watching us with amusement dancing in his eyes.

"All set for the big day?" he asks, his gaze warm as it settles on Willow.

She nods enthusiastically. "Grace keeps checking everything over and over. She's being silly."

"Not silly," I correct her, smoothing down her hoodie. "Just thorough."

Eli's smile softens. "I thought I'd drive you both, if that's okay."

The offer hangs in the air between us. A month ago, I would have refused out of habit, clinging to my independence like a shield. Now, I find myself nodding.

"That would be nice," I say. "Thank you."

The drive to Whispering Pines Elementary is short but beautiful.

The road winds through forest that's just beginning to show hints of autumn, a few early leaves turning gold and red among the green.

Willow chatters the entire way, her excitement bubbling over, while I sit quietly in the passenger seat, my stomach tied in knots.

When we pull into the parking lot, I'm struck by how normal it all looks.

The school building is small and charming, with colorful murals decorating the exterior walls.

Children of various ages stream toward the entrance, backpacks bouncing, voices raised in laughter and conversation.

A playground sits to one side, already filled with kids chasing each other across the equipment.

It looks safe. Peaceful. Ordinary.

So why does my heart feel like it's about to pound out of my chest?

Eli parks the truck, and Willow unbuckles her seatbelt so fast I barely have time to register the movement. I reach for her hand as we walk toward the entrance, holding on a little too tight.

Jenna Cooper waves to us from the school entrance, her warm smile immediately putting some of my anxiety at ease. After our phone call last week to arrange Willow's enrollment, I'm relieved to see a familiar face.

"Good morning!" she calls, walking over to greet us. "All ready for your first day, Willow?"

Willow nods enthusiastically, though I notice her grip on my hand tightens slightly.

Jenna crouches down to Willow's level. "I've got your classroom all set up, and there are several other shifter children excited to meet you."

Willow's eyes widen. "Really? Can I meet them now?"

"Of course. See that group over by the swings? Why don't you go introduce yourself? We'll be starting class in about ten minutes."

Willow looks up at me, seeking permission. The moment stretches between us, heavy with meaning. My fingers tighten around hers reflexively.

"Go ahead," I manage to say, forcing my grip to loosen. "Have fun. I'll pick you up after school."

Willow throws her arms around my waist, squeezing tight. "Love you, Grace."

"Love you too, kiddo." My voice catches.

Then, to my surprise, she turns and hugs Eli with the same enthusiasm. "Bye, Eli! I'll tell you all about school later!"

His face softens as he pats her back. "Looking forward to it, squirt."

And just like that, she's off, racing across the playground toward the group of children, her backpack bouncing against her small frame. I watch her go, my heart in my throat, unable to move as she disappears into the crowd of children.

Jenna gives my arm a gentle squeeze. "She'll be just fine. I promise we take security very seriously here. No one gets in or out without proper clearance."

I nod, not trusting myself to speak.

"I should go round up the troops," Jenna says with a smile. "It was lovely seeing you both. See you at pickup!"

As she walks away, I stand rooted to the spot, my eyes fixed on the last place I saw Willow. Eli moves to stand beside me, close enough that his arm brushes against mine. The contact is subtle but grounding.

"She's going to be fine," he says gently, his gaze following mine to where Willow is now playing tag with a group of children, her laughter carrying across the yard.

"I know." My hands are clenched at my sides.

Eli doesn't rush me. He just stands there with me, a quiet, steady presence beside me. "Letting go is the hardest part," he says after a moment. "But it's also the bravest."

I exhale slowly, my shoulders dropping an inch. "I'm scared," I admit, the words barely audible.

"That's okay," Eli says, his voice gentle but firm. "You're still here. That's what counts."

The bell rings, and I watch as the children line up at the door. Willow falls into place, chatting animatedly with a girl beside her. She doesn't look back, doesn't search for me in the crowd of parents. She's already moving forward, embracing this new chapter with the fearlessness of childhood.

Maybe I could learn something from her.

"We should go," I say finally, tearing my eyes away. "I need to get to work."

We walk back to the truck in silence, my thoughts a tangled mess. As we reach the vehicle, I glance at Eli. "I never thought a school drop-off would feel like walking a tightrope without a net."

He chuckles softly. "Well, you didn't fall."

"Not yet," I say, my voice tight. Then, quieter, "But maybe I don't have to fall alone anymore."

Eli stops walking. He turns to me, his expression serious, eyes searching mine. "You never did. You just didn't know someone would catch you."

Something shifts in my chest, a tight knot loosening ever so slightly. I don't have words to respond, but as we continue walking, my fingers brush against his. And for once, I don't pull away.