Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 597

After lunch, Eric Morris was ready for his afternoon nap. Camila Davis, not wanting Lillian to disturb her grandpa’s rest, decided to take her little one home early.

On the walk back, Camila used the opportunity to bring up the topic of school.

She spoke gently, “You’ll be starting at a new school soon, sweetie. There’ll be new teachers and lots of new friends. It’ll be a whole new adventure for you, Lillian.”

But Lillian’s face scrunched up with worry. She dragged her feet a little, clutching Camila’s hand tighter. “But I don’t know anybody there, Mommy. I’m kinda scared…”

Camila completely understood. It’s tough for a kid to adjust to a new place, surrounded by strangers. She knelt down and gave Lillian a reassuring smile. “It’s okay to be nervous. The kids here are just like the ones back in Harrisburg. I bet you’ll make friends in no time.”

Lillian peered up at her, eyes big and uncertain. “Really?”

Camila nodded, brushing a stray curl from Lillian’s cheek. “If you don’t believe me, how about we just go take a look first? No pressure, just to see what it’s like.”

Lillian hesitated, biting her lip, but after a moment, she gave a tiny nod. “Okay… let’s just look.”

Seeing her agree, Camila changed direction and headed toward the school Dennis Williams had recommended.

When they got there, Camila didn’t take Lillian inside. Instead, they stood outside the wrought-iron fence, just watching.

This place was nothing like Lillian’s old school in Harrisburg. Instead of a small, cozy building, this was a fancy private kindergarten. Even the playground looked like something out of a magazine ad—shiny slides, brand-new swings, and a sandbox the size of a swimming pool.

No doubt about it, Dennis Williams had picked a top-notch place.

From where they stood, they could see a group of kids playing outside. Just as Camila was about to point out how much fun they were having, a commotion broke out near the jungle gym.

Two kids were arguing. One, a little blond boy, sat on the ground bawling his eyes out, while the other stood with crossed arms, looking defiant.

Lillian’s eyes grew wide. She instantly pressed herself into Camila’s coat, her voice trembling. “Mommy, that boy is so mean. I don’t wanna go to school…”

Camila couldn’t help but laugh, though she tried to hide it. Of all the things for Lillian to witness on her first peek! She didn’t want to force her, so she just gently took Lillian’s hand and led her home.

Back in the hallway, Lillian was uncharacteristically quiet, lost in thought about the scene she’d just witnessed.

He raised an eyebrow at Camila, a playful glint in his eye. “Not happy to see me?”

Camila laughed, taking his jacket. “Of course I’m happy! I’m just surprised you’re home so early. I thought you were swamped at work?”

“I wrapped things up so I could have dinner with you two,” Dennis replied with a grin. “So, what were you talking about?”

They moved to the living room, where Susan, ever the attentive housekeeper, handed Dennis a glass of water.

Camila filled him in on the school visit and how Lillian had gotten scared by the kids arguing.

Dennis listened, then looked down at his daughter with warmth in his eyes. “So, Lillian, are you worried you’ll get picked on? Or is it just that some of the kids seem scary?”

Lillian, snuggled in his arms, answered honestly, “A bit of both…”

Dennis ruffled her hair gently. “Well, what could we do to help you feel better about it?”