Fernando Vieira cradled his daughter Monica, her tiny fingers curling around his thumb. Maria Vieira watched with a smile that spoke of love and exhaustion. Nelson and Paula ran around the living room, their laughter filling the air.
"She's perfect," Maria whispered, her eyes filled with hope for their future.
Grandmother Vieira leaned closer, her brow furrowing as she noticed Monica's left hand. "Fernando, Maria, come here, please," she called, her voice laced with urgency.
Fernando and Maria rushed over, their happiness turning to anxiety as they saw Monica's fingers fused to her palm.
Dr. Thompson adjusted his glasses, looking at the X-rays. "Surgery is the best option to help her hand," he explained.
Maria nodded, determination clear in her eyes. "We will do whatever it takes," she replied.
Fernando sat beside her, gently holding her right hand, while Maria stroked her hair. "She will overcome this," Fernando whispered, a promise in his voice.
Nelson and Paula peered in from the doorway, their eyes wide with concern and curiosity.
School Bully sneered, "Crooked fingers," they taunted, but Monica stood tall, her resolve unshaken.
"Ignore them, Monica," Paula said, wrapping an arm around her sister. "You are strong."
Monica's fingers moved deftly over the keyboard, proving her doubters wrong. Maria stepped forward, "You can do anything, my love," she said, her voice full of pride.
Monica smiled, her crooked hand a symbol of her strength and resilience.
