She looked so small and grown at the same time, standing there by the car door like she was ready to face the world, even though I wasn't sure I was ready to let her.
I unbuckled my seatbelt quickly. "I'm coming in with you today," I told her, forcing a smile.
Her eyes brightened, and she nodded without a word.
I took her backpack off her shoulders, slinging it over mine. It was heavier than it looked, stuffed with books and snacks and God knows what else.
I held her small hand as we crossed the lot.
The closer we got to the building, the tighter she held me, like she was still scared yesterday might repeat itself.
We stopped at her class door. I crouched down, handing her the backpack. "Here, baby. You got it?"
"Yeah," she said, adjusting it on her shoulder with that little nod she always does.
Before I could say anything else, a small ginger-haired girl ran over, waving. "Hi, Alia!"
