For the first time in weeks, Marco and Carmen sat across from each other with a shared goal.
It wasn’t just about education. It wasn’t just about routine. It was about saving their son.
Dr. Carter had made it clear—Matteo needed real connections. He needed to be around kids his own age. He needed to break away from whatever hold Ella still had on him.
Carmen spent hours researching schools while Marco made calls to ensure security wouldn’t be an issue.
They needed the best. Somewhere that felt safe. Somewhere where Matteo could be a child again.
And after days of searching, they found it.
“Little Oaks Academy?” Marco read aloud, his brows raised as he scrolled through the website on his tablet.
Carmen nodded, sipping her coffee. “It has the best reviews, a great security system, and small class sizes. Plus, they focus a lot on social interaction and creativity.”
Marco studied the photos on the website.
The classrooms looked warm, colorful, inviting—nothing like the cold, structured environments he was used to.
“It’s… different,” he admitted.
Carmen smirked. “That’s the point.”
Marco leaned back in his chair.
“Alright,” he said, nodding. “Let’s check it out.”
When they arrived at Little Oaks Academy, the first thing Carmen noticed was how bright and welcoming the building was.
Large windows let in the sunlight, and the walls were painted in soft pastel colors. Children’s artwork was displayed in the hallways, and the faint sound of laughter echoed from the nearby playground.
“This feels… normal,” Carmen whispered to Marco as they walked inside.
Marco nodded, scanning the area carefully.
“That’s good.”
They were greeted by a warm-looking woman with wavy brown hair and kind blue eyes.
“You must be Mr. and Mrs. De Luca,” she said, offering a polite smile. “I’m Alexandra Hayes. I’ll be Matteo’s teacher.”
Carmen immediately felt relieved. Alexandra had a calm, friendly presence about her. She wasn’t overly peppy, but she wasn’t stiff either.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Carmen said, shaking her hand.
Marco nodded, assessing her silently before offering his own handshake.
“We just want to make sure this is the right place for him,” Marco said, his tone firm but not unkind.
Alexandra nodded understandingly. “Of course. Let’s sit down and talk about how we can make Matteo feel at home here.”
They sat in a cozy office filled with plush chairs and bookshelves lined with children’s books.
“Matteo has been through a lot,” Carmen started, her voice soft. “He was… taken from us for a while. And when he came back, he wasn’t the same.”
Alexandra’s expression turned serious.
“I’m so sorry to hear that,” she said gently. “Trauma at this age can be incredibly difficult. But children are resilient, and with the right support, he can recover.”
Marco exhaled sharply, running a hand over his face.
“That’s what we’re hoping for.”
Alexandra nodded. “Does he interact well with other children?”
Carmen hesitated. “Before? Yes. He was friendly, always laughing, always playing. But now…”
She glanced at Marco. “Now, he mostly keeps to himself. Or… talks to people who aren’t there.”
Alexandra’s brows furrowed slightly, but she didn’t seem shocked.
“Imaginary friends are common for children his age, especially those who have experienced loss or separation.”
“It’s more than that,” Marco muttered.
Alexandra held his gaze, nodding slowly. “We’ll keep an eye on him. I’ll make sure he feels safe and included.”
Carmen let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding.
“Thank you.”
Alexandra smiled. “Why don’t we introduce him to the classroom? See how he feels?”
The next morning, Marco and Carmen walked Matteo into Little Oaks Academy.
Matteo held Carmen’s hand tightly, his small fingers wrapped around hers.
“Where are we going?” he asked curiously.
“To meet new friends, sweetheart,” Carmen said softly.
“And a new teacher,” Marco added.
Matteo blinked. “Will Nanny be there?”
Carmen felt her stomach tighten.
“No, baby,” she said carefully. “Just you.”
Matteo frowned slightly, but he didn’t argue.
When they stepped into the classroom, Alexandra was waiting with a warm smile.
“Hello, Matteo,” she said cheerfully.
Matteo looked up at her. He smiled. A real, genuine, childlike smile. Carmen’s breath hitched. Marco’s shoulders relaxed slightly.
Matteo took a step toward Alexandra.
“You’re my new teacher?” he asked.
Alexandra nodded. “That’s right. And we’re going to have lots of fun here.”
Matteo glanced around the room.
There were toys, books, colorful drawings on the walls.
Other children were laughing, playing.
It felt… safe. Matteo turned back to Carmen and Marco. Carmen knelt beside him, brushing his curls back.
“You’re going to be okay here, baby,” she whispered.
Matteo stared at her for a moment.
Then—he nodded.
“Okay, Mama.”
Marco ruffled his hair. “Be good, bud.”
Matteo grinned.
“I will, Papa.”
Carmen and Marco shared a look.
For the first time in a long time, they felt like they were doing the right thing.