Chapter 12 - THE DAY MATTEO WENT BACK TO SCHOOL
Matteo returned to school in September.
Not the private classroom inside the estate.
A real school.
With other children.
Accessible facilities.
Teachers trained to support his needs.
And classmates who learned to see his wheelchair as part of his life, not the whole of it.
Vincent stood outside the classroom.
Nervous.
Clara smiled.
“He'll be okay.”
Vincent looked at her.
“How do you know?”
“I don't.”
She paused.
“But he deserves the chance.”
Matteo rolled toward the classroom door.
Then stopped.
He looked back.
“Daddy?”
Vincent smiled.
“Yes?”
“Don't follow me.”
Clara laughed.
Vincent raised both hands.
“Wouldn't dream of it.”
Matteo grinned.
Then rolled inside.
Vincent watched him disappear.
His eyes filled.
Clara stood beside him.
“That's what growing up looks like.”
Vincent nodded.
“I hate it.”
She laughed.
“I know.”
May you like
Then he smiled.
“But I love it too.”
