Irwin''s school drop-offs and pick-ups were usually Jeannie''s job.


    But Jeannie hade down with the flu, running a low fever for days and barely able to get out of bed. Stewart decided to have their driver, Bob, handle Irwin''s transportation for the week.


    Rosita arrived early and waited outside the school gates.


    The moment she saw Irwin step out of the sleek ck sedan, Rosita quickly put on her sunsses and a medical mask, then hurried across the sidewalk toward him.


    "Irwin!"


    Irwin hesitated mid-step, thinking he must''ve imagined it. Shaking his head, he continued walking.


    "Irwin, it''s me!"


    Rosita caught up and reached out, grabbing his arm. "It''s Mom!"


    Irwin was forced to turn around, staring in shock at the woman bundled up from head to toe.


    It really was his mother.


    But the excitement that red inside him quickly gave way to resentment as memories of her sudden disappearance four years ago rushed back.


    Jerking his arm free, Irwin red at her. "I don''t know you."


    "Irwin!" Rosita pleaded, grabbing his arm again. "I know I was wrong. But I had my reasons for leaving. I know you need to get to ss, but I''ll be here after school. Let me take you out for dinner, and I''ll exin everything-why I left without saying goodbye..."


    "I don''t care!" Irwin snapped, yanking his arm away.


    "Ah!"


    Rosita suddenly cried out, clutching her wrist in pain.


    Irwin froze. He nced down and noticed a bandage wrapped around her wrist, stained with blood.


    rmed, he stammered, "Y-You... what happened?"


    Rosita hastily pulled her sleeve over her wrist, trying to sound calm. "It''s nothing. I''m fine, sweetheart. Really."


    Irwin remembered someone once mentioning her depression.


    He frowned, studying her closely. "You... you''re still sick, aren''t you?"


    Rosita pressed her lips together, looking too ashamed to speak.


    Irwin felt a pang of guilt. He must have guessed right.


    He scowled, hoisting his backpack higher. "Whatever. I have to get to ss."


    "Alright. You go on. I''ll be here after school to pick you up."


    This time, Irwin didn''t object.


    Rosita watched him walk away, a small smile tugging at her lips.


    All the trouble she''d gone through to have Irwin-she''d made the right choice.


    She was grateful for the decision she''d made.


    Rosita''s sudden return left Irwin distracted all through his sses. He barely heard a word the teachers said.


    When the final bell rang, Irwin slung his backpack over his shoulder and hurried outside.


    Bob was already waiting at the curb.


    Irwin nced around, searching for Rosita, but there was no sign of her.


    His face fell.


    Liar.


    Fuming, he stalked toward the family car.


    Just then, a voice called out, "Irwin."


    He froze


    van


    Tou Partnd turned to see a camper waving at him. Contentze


    by the curb, its window


    Irwin''s heart surged despite himself, though he forced a mask of indifference onto his face.


    He turned to Bob. "My mom''s taking me out for dinner. I already told my dad-you can head home."


    Bob nodded. "Alright. Have a good evening."


    Irwin walked over to the van. The door slid open, and he climbed inside.


    The door shut, and the van pulled away from the curb.


    Inside, Rosita reached out and


    much ein''s hair. "You''ve growmet


    much. Look at you-such a handsome young man."


    Her eyes shimmered, and suddenly tears spilled down her cheeks.


    "Irwin, can I hug you?"


    Irwin eyed her warily, but her tears wore him down. He gave a stiff nod.


    Rosita pulled him into a hug. "Oh, sweetheart, I finally get to see you again thought I''d never have this chance. I thought I''d lost you forever."