I blinked, still processing what I was seeing — the pencils, the open textbooks, the untouched plate of cookies I had left earlier.
They weren’t doing anything wrong. They weren’t even thinking about it. They were just two kids trying to understand math.
“Oh… I’m fine,” I stammered, trying to hide my embarrassment. “Just checking if you two needed more cookies.”
Her boyfriend smiled nervously. “We’re okay, thank you, Mrs. Carter.”
Lily tilted her head, studying me like only a daughter can. “You sure, Mom?”
I nodded quickly. “Completely sure.” Then I backed out of the room, closing the door gently behind me.
A Moment of Reflection
Back in the hallway, I leaned against the wall and took a deep breath. I had let my fears get the better of me — the same fears every parent has when their child begins to grow up and form their own world.
I thought about how easy it is for our minds to jump to conclusions, especially when we’re afraid of losing control. But what I had witnessed wasn’t rebellion or secrecy — it was innocence, curiosity, and kindness.
Lily had been helping her boyfriend study, patiently walking him through formulas and problems I couldn’t have solved myself. She was guiding someone else with compassion, focus, and care — qualities that made me proud to be her mother.
The Sunday After
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