Then, when we got out of the car, something happened that took my breath away.
Alina took Zara's hand. And on the other end, she extended her little hand toward me, indicating that I should do the same.
She walked between us, still in her school uniform, with a confidence in the world that reminded me why I had sworn to protect her from all harm. I couldn't help but smile. A silly smile, one of those that sticks without permission and that anyone who knew me would make fun of for the rest of their lives.
But I didn't care.
Walking like that, with them, feeling the tiny weight of my daughter's hand and Zara's closeness, was as if the world had stopped spinning just for us.
I'm not exaggerating when I say I've never had as much fun on a roller coaster as I did today.
Zara turned
