I was utterly floored, unsure how to answer her because I couldn't possibly make that decision.

Ava looked at me with hopeful eyes as if my response held her greatest wish.

I had no choice but to say, "I will try my best!"

She smiled through her tears and said, "Ava will work hard with you, Mommy! Uncle Atlas would be the best Daddy!"

Seeing her smile again as she ran into the classroom, I finally breathed a sigh of relief.

I turned and headed back to the car, making my way to the office. I arrived early today. Some people hadn't even shown up yet.

I sat back in my chair, unable to stop picking up that pen and clutching it tightly. What results could I possibly achieve by my efforts?

However, I knew that Atlas was working hard, too, and I had to trust him.

On Tuesday, Eleanor called. She told me she had made up her mind to leave.

I instantly got excited. "That's great! When will you start?"

She hesitated, saying it would take a few more days. I didn't quite understand, but