Back to the present:
That week flew by at breakneck speed for Leo, but for me, it crawled like an eternity. Every morning, my finger trembled as I opened my email. Deep down, I had a blind faith that I could land the position, though in the furthest corners of my mind I was painfully aware that I was no longer the twenty-five-year-old I'd once been, and for that reason alone, my chances were fading like smoke in the sun. My stomach twisted between overflowing hope and paralyzing terror with every click on the inbox.
"Mommy... Mommy..."
"Oh, sorry, sweetheart..."I startled, snapping out of the trance I'd fallen into, my eyes still glued to my phone screen. "What were you trying to tell me?"
"The math teacher is going to hold a parent meeting soon."Leo was looking at me with those big eyes of his.
"Okay, just let me know the date and time."I stroked his head to reassure him that everything would be fine.
"I really like him. Do you?" "he asked, fixing those deep brown eyes on mine with a seriousness that didn't belong to a boy his age."
"Leo, I don't even know him yet... So I'm glad to hear you get along with him and that you're comfortable at school. But son... if your intentions aren't in the right place, drop it right now."
"Mr. Nahuel isn't married, and he doesn't have a girlfriend either. Plus..."
"Leo, please... understand that this isn't okay."My voice hardened as a chill ran down my spine. "I don't want that meeting to turn into a complaint session about you prying into your teachers' personal lives."
"I promise it's not about that, Mom..."I watched him shrink back, his head hanging low. I felt terrible for raising my voice at him.
"Son... do you think I'm not enough for you?"The question slipped out before I could stop it. I felt my voice crack mid-sentence, tears threatening to spill.
"No! Of course not! I'm happy with you, Mom."
"I'm happy too, with you in my life... so please, enough of this craziness. You can't force relationships into existence."
"Okay, Mom... I'm sorry."
"I love you with all my soul, my little prince."I hugged him with everything I had, as if I could meld myself into him, feeling his small body pressed against mine. "I'm the luckiest woman in the world... just having you here."
Though it seemed like Leo understood, his eyes gave his thoughts away. I knew him so well that there were no secrets between us.
"I love you so much, Mommy. I won't push anymore — I promise!" But even though Mom says those words with so much love, I know she's having an incredibly hard time, and I truly wish with all my heart that she finds the happiness she deserves. I can't give up on my mission.
***
The next morning:
"Leo, come here... quick! Read what this email says!"I shouted, my hand shaking so badly I could barely hold the phone, a whirlwind of emotions churning in my chest.
"Mommy... it says you passed the interview... and that you can come in this afternoon to finish the paperwork."
"Oh, my boy! Finally!"I burst into tears of joy, squeezing him so tight he had to laugh through my tears. "We're finally going to build a better future."
"Congratulations, Mom. Now go take a shower" you've got to go to work. "The little man of the house gave his orders with a proud smile on his face."
"Yes, sir, my captain!"I kissed his cheeks over and over before running to the bathroom. At last, life had taken pity on me. When I came out, my little angel was already dressed and ready for school. He never stops amazing me with how smart and independent he is for his age. I can't put into words how proud I am to have him by my side... but above all, I don't regret that decision for a single instant, because I've never been as happy as I am now.
"Shall we, good sir?"
"Let's go, my beautiful lady."
"Leo, when you grow up, you're going to be a real heartbreaker."I couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"No way, Mom. Hearts are meant to be cared for with love... not broken." "He said it with a gravity that moved me to tears."
"You're absolutely right. You're a good boy... and without a doubt, someday you'll be an incredible man."
Though he looks so much like Octavio on the outside, I know I'm doing an excellent job raising him. My son is thoughtful, kind, and above all, pure of heart. The only thing I can ask of fate is that when he grows up, he meets a good woman and is as happy as he makes me.
After dropping him off at school, I headed straight to the hotel. Along the way, I shared the good news with Rafa, who was even more excited than I was. Without question, he's my best — and only — friend. Without his help, I wouldn't be where I am today.
That same day, I signed a one-year contract with the option to renew. I introduced myself to my new coworkers, and overall, they seemed like decent people. Of course, there's always someone who thinks they're above everyone else... but I intended to keep the peace, so I ignored her and threw myself into work with every ounce of enthusiasm I had.
That night, we had a little celebration at home — Leo, Rafa, and me. Pizza, some soda, and a sea of smiles that lit up our apartment. A few days later, I attended the much-discussed school meeting... and thank God, it was only about extracurricular activities. When everyone else had left, the professor approached me with an eager expression.
"Ma'am... let me tell you, Leandro is an exceptionally bright boy. I'd like to invite him to join the math competition team."
"I'm so glad to hear that... and of course, if Leo wants to participate, I have absolutely no problem with it. I also wanted to apologize to you... in case my son has been a little nosy about things that aren't his business."I felt so proud and so mortified at the same time that I couldn't bring myself to look him in the eye.
"You mean the questions about my relationship status?" "he asked, smiling gently."
"I AM SO SORRY!... I've already talked to him about it, and if it happens again, please don't hesitate to let me know immediately."
"Relax... it was just a casual chat, and I wasn't offended in the least. I really like Leandro. He's a boy who speaks like an adult" very logical and articulate.
"Thank you so much for thinking so highly of him. But please, forgive that lapse."I glanced at my watch nervously, feeling time slipping away. "I need to get going. Have a wonderful afternoon, Professor."
I watched her leave, and there was no doubt about it — she was a one-of-a-kind woman. I could see exactly where that little rascal got all his charisma and charm. Too bad she didn't seem the slightest bit interested in me...
"Sir... why are you staring at my mom like that?"Leandro's voice came from behind me, and I jumped so hard I nearly lost my balance.
"Leandro! You're going to give me a heart attack!"
"What are you up to, Professor?" "he asked with the same seriousness as his mother."
"Nothing, nothing... let's do some studying before you head out." "I said with a smile, though inside I knew this kid had me completely cornered."
That look of his was telling me everything. This boy was ready to protect his mother with every fiber of his being. Without a doubt, the two of them were one of a kind. A good woman always raises good sons.
***
A whole month passed with unexpected calm. I settled into my job beautifully, and Leo into his new school. One Saturday afternoon, I realized I'd accidentally brought home the break room keys from the hotel — an oversight that sent a jolt of panic through me.
"Leo, we need to go to the hotel to drop these off... and then we'll head to the park, okay?"
"Sure thing, Mom."
We got there faster than expected, and thank God no one had needed the room yet, or I would've felt awful knowing someone couldn't rest because of my blunder.
"Wait right here, sweetheart... I'll be back in a flash."I told him, leaving him in the reception area while I headed down the service hallway.
"OKAY, MOMMY!" I stood there taking in the imposing surroundings — the polished marble walls, the crystal chandeliers glittering like stars, the soft scent of roses filling the entire space. Suddenly, my foot caught on something and I crashed right into a man.
"I'm so sorry, sir! I didn't mean to at all!"I crouched down quickly to pick up what had fallen, but when I looked up, I found his eyes locked on me.
I couldn't understand why the man just stood there, frozen, staring at me with an expression of such deep confusion that his eyes were wide open. Something in his gaze made me uneasy, so I decided to get away as fast as I could.
"I'm really, truly sorry... I hope you have a wonderful afternoon, sir." "I said, spinning around to leave as quickly as possible just as I saw Mom coming out."
That boy... that boy looks far too familiar.
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