(Caroline's POV)
The kindergarten is chaos when we walk in. Kids everywhere, running and laughing and showing their parents art projects and shouting about their days.
Louise spots us and waves us over, a huge smile on her face.
"Caroline! I'm so glad you're here. Charlie had an amazing day today."
My heart lifts. "Really?"
"Really. Rose helped him join circle time—they sat together and he actually participated in the songs. Then during free play, he joined a group of kids building with blocks. He didn't say much, but he was engaged." Louise is practically glowing. "I think he's ready to come on his own. Without you staying half day."
The words hit me harder than I expected. Ready. Charlie is ready.
Which means I need to be ready too.
"Are you sure?" My voice wavers. "What if he ha
