“This is not charity, Clara. This is family taking responsibility.”
Over time, a beautiful bond formed between them. Dr. Salazar became the grandfather Luna needed. He rocked her to sleep, sang old lullabies, and proudly showed pictures of her to his colleagues.
Clara slowly began to heal. She returned to work part-time and discovered that many of her coworkers wanted to support her. For the first time in nearly a year, she didn’t feel completely alone.
One evening, almost four months after Luna’s birth, Dr. Salazar came to visit with a serious expression.
“Emilio contacted me,” he said quietly.
Clara’s body tensed.
“He saw the pictures I posted. He wants to meet Luna.”
Clara was silent for a long time. Then she shook her head.
“Not yet. I need to protect her. She deserves stability first.”
Dr. Salazar respected her decision completely.
“You are a wonderful mother, Clara. Much stronger than I ever was as a parent.”
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