Clara nodded, her whole body trembling. “I promise.” The couple stood awkwardly, hope unraveling before their eyes. The woman finally spoke, her voice raw. “Please…at least let us support you. College, your future—anything.” Emily hesitated, then nodded slowly. “If you really want to help, fine. But understand this—love isn’t bought.”
“You don’t get to walk in and act like parents. That title is already taken.” She turned back to Clara, her grip firm, her eyes bright with tears. “It’s us first. Always us.” Clara pulled her daughter into her arms, whispering into her hair, “Always us.” For the first time since the envelope arrived, she believed it.