Chapter Text
"They grow so fast," people always say.
You hear it, but it doesn’t sink in. At first, your child feels like they’ll be little forever. Then they turn one, then two, then three—suddenly, they’re six. One day, they’re taking their first steps. The next, they’re running ahead, ready to take on the world without looking back. New things begin, and others are learned. Take riding a bike, for example. At first, it seems impossible. Then one day, it becomes second nature, so much so that people use it as a way to describe something easy.
As the years pass, these milestones will keep coming. The first day of school. Learning to read. Learning to swim. Each one is a reminder of just how far they’ve come, and how much further they’ll go. Sometimes it can feel like time is slipping away, but in truth, these moments are treasures. They’re markers of growth, reminders of just how much your child is capable of.
Nicky turned six today. Agatha had been preparing for this day for weeks, making sure everything was just right. The house was filled with balloons and decorations. Nicky’s birthday party was a big deal. There were gifts, cake, his mamas of course, and his aunt Lilia. He loved the attention and excitement. He was smiling from ear to ear, proud of the moment and all the attention he was getting.
Agatha watched him with a warm smile, but there was a soft ache in her heart. She couldn’t help but think about how quickly time was passing. It felt like just yesterday when Nicky was a baby, needing her for everything. Now, here he was, six years old, and ready for the next big step: school.
After the party ended, Nicky was thrilled with his new toys, but Agatha knew that tomorrow would bring something new, something a little harder for him, but mostly for herself and Rio. Nicky would start school. She had noticed that he’d been quiet the past few days, asking “What is school going to be like?”
His excitement was mixed with worry. The thought of leaving home, being away from his mamas, was making him nervous.
The long felt very slow but the pace raced once it hit 9 pm
That night, as Nicky got ready for bed, Agatha sat beside him. She wanted to calm his nerves, but she didn’t know exactly how. He had always been so confident in so many ways, but school was different. It was a big change. Agatha gently brushed his hair, thinking about how quickly he was growing up.
“Are you feeling ready for tomorrow?” she asked, her voice soft.
Nicky looked at her, his brow furrowed. “I’m not sure. What if I don’t make any friends?”
Agatha smiled, her heart heavy with emotion. “You will. It might take time, but I know you’ll find some friends. You’re a kind, smart boy. People will like you.”
“But what if they don’t?” His voice was small, a stark contrast to the strong, happy boy who had been laughing just hours before.
Agatha’s heart tightened. She took his hand. “You don’t have to worry about that. You’ll meet people, and they’ll see what a great friend you are. And no matter what, we'll be here for you, always.”
Nicky seemed to relax a little at her words, but she could see the doubt lingering in his eyes. She kissed him on the forehead. “You’ve got this, Nicky. You’re going to do great. Just remember to be yourself.”
He nodded slowly, looking at her as if to reassure himself. “Okay, Mama.”
The next morning, Nicky stood by the door, dressed in his new school clothes. He wasn’t sure he was ready for this. But when both his mamas hugged him tight, all he could do was hold on. They smiled at him, though there was a glimmer of sadness in her eyes. “You’re going to be fine,” Rio said softly, kissing the top of his head. “I’m so proud of you.”
Nicky didn’t say much as he climbed into the car. He looked out the window, trying to hold back his nervousness. When they arrived at school, the sight of so many children rushing toward the entrance made his stomach turn. Agatha knelt down in front of him, her face kind but firm. “Just remember, Nicky,” she said, “everyone is nervous on their first day. You just need to be brave and try your best.”
With one last hug, Nicky walked inside. His small figure quickly disappeared into the crowd of kids, his heart racing. Agatha watched for a moment, then turned and walked back to the car, trying to hold back her own tears. It wasn’t easy, letting go, even if she knew it was time.
The school day felt long for both of them. Agatha went through her routine, working and running errands. But no matter what she was doing, her mind kept drifting back to Nicky. She wondered if he was okay.
Every time the clock ticked, she thought about how much time had passed since she’d last seen him. Typical of a mom, right?
Rio noticed her unease. She knew Agatha well enough to see when something was on her mind. She walked over, sitting beside her at the kitchen table. “You’re worrying again, aren’t you?” she asked with a calm voice. Agatha sighed. “I can’t help it. I keep thinking about him. Is he okay? I just want to know if he’s making friends or if he feels alone.”
Rio nodded“I know you’re anxious, but Nicky’s strong. He’s been looking forward to this day for weeks, and he’s surrounded by other kids. I’m sure he’s doing just fine.”
She wasn’t convinced. “I just wish I could be there to help him, to make sure he’s not scared.”
“I know,” Rio said, her tone soothing. “But Nicky’s going to be okay, I promise. It’s normal to feel like this. You’re his mother, and you love him. But right now, he’s learning to do things on his own. That’s a good thing.”
Finally, the clock hit the end of the school day. Agatha stood up, relief washing over her. “I’m going to pick him up. Come with me?”
Rio stood, smiling. “Of course. Let’s go.”
They drove to the school, the weight of waiting lifting as they neared the gates. When they arrived, they saw a group of children standing with their parents. Agatha’s heart quickened when she spotted Nicky. He was standing among the crowd, looking around, his backpack hanging from one shoulder.
As soon as he saw them, his face lit up. He ran toward them, excitement clear on his face.
“Mama, Mami, guess what?” he exclaimed, bouncing up and down. “I made a friend! His name is Jake, and we played a game together!”
Agatha’s heart swelled with pride. She knelt down, pulling him into a tight hug. “I’m so proud of you,” she said softly, kissing the top of his head. “I knew you’d make friends.”
As they walked home, Nicky excitedly talked about his new friend and all the things he had learned that day.
Their little boy was growing up, and he was doing well.
They saw him change little by little—small shifts that were easy to overlook but too important to miss.
That was the quiet joy of motherhood.