LILY’S POV

The school hallway buzzed with loud giggles, animated chatters and hurried footsteps of children rushing to their various classrooms as I made my way in with my kids. But all that seemed to evaporate as I entered their classroom.

The other kids stared at me like I was breaking a sacred rule, probably wondering why I was bringing Liam and Lila directly into the classroom instead of leaving them at the usual drop-off spot outside the school building like other parents. I also noticed some of them casting me curious, almost judgmental glances, saying some things in low voices amongst themselves I couldn’t quite make meaning of. But...