Derek chuckled, staring at his phone in disbelief. Did Evelyn just say she missed him? He laughed happily. What had changed, though? Why was she suddenly acting this way? He mused as he lay down.

Well, today was a good day. He could go to bed with a smile on his face.

Derek lay in bed, a smile tugging at his lips. Evelyn had said it—she missed him. The words echoed in his mind like a soft melody, filling him with warmth and satisfaction. He had hoped for so long to hear something like that, and now that he had, sleep came easily.

When he woke up the next day, the remnants of that smile were still there, his mood as light as the sunlight streaming through the curtains. Stretching lazily, he reached for his phone, ready to start the day in the best possible way. His fingers moved quickly over the screen, composing a good morning message:

[Thanks to you, I slept with a grin and woke up with a smile. You're always on my mind. Good morning, my jewel.]

Satisfied, he sent the text, feeling a slight flutter of excitement at the thought of her reading it. He imagined her smile, and it made the early start all the more pleasant. With a quick shower and a light breakfast, he was out the door, heading for the office with a spring in his step.

While Derek prepared for work, Evelyn sat in the back of a cab, her arm protectively around Samantha as they headed to school. It was her daughter's first day, and both were jittery. Evelyn could see it in Samantha's tiny fingers twisting the hem of her dress and the quiet glances the little girl cast out the window. Maya sat in the front seat, occasionally looking back to check on them.

The hum of traffic filled the air, and Evelyn absentmindedly opened her phone, looking for something funny to entertain Samantha. Then she saw it: Derek's good morning text. Her heart skipped a beat, and a smile spread across her face. Seeing his message, it was hard not to feel warm. She had been wondering if he wouldn't send his usual good morning text.

She bit her lip as she quickly typed a reply: [Good morning, Derek. You're on my mind, too.]

She pressed her lips together and closed her eyes as she pressed send, feeling like a silly teenager. Derek's message had lifted her mood despite her nervousness for Samantha. Maybe she'd stop by his office later and surprise him.

"We're here," the driver said, pulling up to the school. Evelyn glanced out the window and smiled at the scene: parents dropping off their kids, some clinging to their mothers, others running excitedly towards the entrance. This had been her school all those years ago, and dropping off her own daughter overwhelmed her with an inexplicable feeling—perhaps nostalgia, remembering being dropped off by her father on her first day.

As they got out of the cab, Evelyn knelt beside Samantha, smoothing her hair. The little girl's eyes were wide, taking in the sea of unfamiliar faces.

"You're going to be fine, sweetheart," Evelyn said softly, her voice steady despite her own nerves. "You're going to make lots of friends today, and you'll have so much fun, I promise." Samantha nodded, though her small hand squeezed Evelyn's a little tighter.

"Do you really think so, Mommy?" she asked in a tiny voice, her eyes flicking nervously to the school building.

"I know so," Evelyn said, smiling warmly. "And Maya will be here when school is over, okay? Maya will pick you up, and I'll see you later after work."

Just as Evelyn was about to usher Samantha forward, a sleek black car pulled up, and a tall, heavily pregnant woman stepped out, her hand gently guiding a young girl about Samantha's age. The little girl, with bright eyes and a shy smile, was clearly just as nervous as Samantha. Both children locked eyes, sensing each other's nervousness, and in that magical way only children can, they gravitated toward one another as they made their way inside. Evelyn felt lighter as she waved goodbye to Samantha, who was now happily walking into the school with the other girl, Ella. The pang of separation still tugged at her, but knowing Samantha wasn't alone made it easier. Evelyn watched, her heart swelling with relief. Samantha had already found a friend.

"Seems like they've hit it off," the pregnant woman said, coming to stand beside Evelyn. She had a kind smile, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "It's always a relief when that happens, isn't it?" Sarah said, watching the two girls with a fond smile.

Evelyn nodded, laughing softly. "Definitely. I was worried for a second, but it looks like they'll be just fine."

"By the way, I'm Sarah," the woman introduced herself, extending a hand.

"Evelyn," she replied, shaking Sarah's hand. "It's my daughter's first day here. I think I'm more nervous than she is."

"Oh, trust me, I know the feeling. My little girl, Ella, was so scared this morning, but I think having a friend here already is going to help."

"I'm sure it will," Evelyn agreed, feeling the tension ease from her shoulders. "Maybe we could arrange a playdate sometime, to help them get along. We moved here recently, and Sam doesn't really have friends her age."

Sarah's face lit up. "That sounds great! I think Ella could use a new friend, especially with the baby on the way."

They exchanged numbers, promising to stay in touch before parting. With one last glance at the school, Evelyn slid back into the cab. She smiled, feeling as though a small weight had been lifted. She had made a new friend, and Samantha had too. The day was off to a good start. Turning to Maya, she gave a soft reminder:

"Don't forget to pick Samantha up after school, okay?"

Maya nodded. "Of course, ma'am. I'll be there."

Satisfied, Evelyn leaned back in her seat, her mind already drifting to her next destination—Derek's office. She hadn't told him yet, but she was looking forward to surprising him. She felt a sense of peace wash over her. Everything was going to be alright. All she had to do was follow her heart and trust her gut.