Chapter 13: Sunlight and School Bells
Spring arrived, breathing vibrant new life into the hills of the Hudson Valley where Gabriel had decided to establish the family's permanent residence.
He had sold the old city penthouse and significantly reduced his corporate travel, transitioning to the role of Chairman of the Board while hiring trusted executives to manage day-to-day operations. His primary focus was his family and his foundation.
On a bright Tuesday morning, Gabriel stood outside the gates of St. Timothy’s Academy, holding hands with both of his daughters.
It was Isabella’s very first day of preschool, and Elena’s first day in the third grade.
Isabella wore a little green backpack, her blonde hair styled in neat ribbons. For a brief second, the sight of the school doorway caused her to pause, her small fingers clutching Gabriel’s hand with lingering shyness.
Gabriel immediately dropped to one knee, looking into her eyes with his familiar, steady smile.
"Do you have your songbird whistle in your pocket, Bella?" Gabriel asked softly.
Isabella patted her coat pocket and nodded. "Yes, Daddy."
"And remember what I told you?" Gabriel smiled. "Elena is just two classrooms down the hall, and Daddy is going to be sitting right across the street in the park reading a book until the bell rings at two o'clock."
"You won't leave?" Isabella asked.
"Never," Gabriel promised, kissing her forehead. "You go paint, make friends, and have the best day of your life."
May you like
Isabella beamed, let go of his hand, and skipped through the doorway alongside Elena, who gave Gabriel a quick, loving wave over her shoulder.
Watching his two daughters walk fearlessly into the bright morning sun, Gabriel felt a wave of pure, unadulterated gratitude wash over his heart.
