Maria stands by the stove, her tired eyes softened by the gentle glow of morning. She moves quietly, careful not to wake her children just yet. The silence is her brief sanctuary, a moment to gather strength for the day ahead.
Lily and Ben, Maria's children, chatter sleepily as they eat breakfast. Maria brushes Lily's hair, her hands gentle but quick, her eyes flickering from clock to lunchbox. "Eat up, my loves. The world is waiting for you, and I want you to meet it strong and smiling."
Colleagues drift by, some offering a nod, others lost in their own worries. Maria pushes through exhaustion, her thoughts always circling back to Lily and Ben. "Every hour here is a step closer to your dreams, little ones," she whispers to herself.
"Mama, look! I drew our family at the beach," Ben calls, waving his drawing. Lily wraps her arms around Maria's waist, and for a moment, the weight of the world lifts. "I missed you too, my darlings. Let’s see those masterpieces,"
"I know some days I am tired and busy. But I do all of this because I want you to have every chance, every happiness," she murmurs, her voice low and loving. Maria kisses their foreheads, her heart swelling with fierce pride and endless hope.
"To my beautiful children—you are the reason I rise with the sun and work until the stars appear. Every sacrifice, every struggle, is a gift I give you so that one day, you can move through the world with kindness and courage. When you look back, remember that love was always the thread that held us together. Be gentle with yourselves and with others, for the world needs more of your light."
