For the first few weeks, everything seemed perfect. Veronica savored every moment with Esther—braiding her hair, reading bedtime stories, and sneaking in kisses before sleep. Each night, as she tucked Esther in, it felt like a long-lost piece of her soul had returned.
But the first ripple of unease came during Esther’s school enrollment. The principal seemed surprised, almost skeptical. “Her vocabulary is remarkably sophisticated for her age,” he remarked, glancing at Veronica curiously. “Based on her cognitive skills, she needs to start with third grade.”