CHAPTER 41

The days went on as usual. Rose tried to stay at home, as her nausea had improved, but she was very tired, and this way she could be by Lee's side, who was still recovering from his injury. Nathan and his family stopped by every day, and Rose was grateful for her neighbors and friends. Henry and Jessy were a great help at the lumber yard and took over all the work, making Lee very proud of his neighbors and friends.

Elizabeth was at school all week and to Nathan's surprise, he saw Willian Thatcher, accompanying his daughter throughout the school day. On the second day, the patriarch of the Thatchers took his place and started chopping wood for the school, as he thought Nathan would have more time to make his rounds and return home to his family earlier.

Nathan had spoken to his father-in-law and asked how he felt about meeting the grandchildren and being at Elizabeth's side.

- Nathan, it's amazing to see Elizabeth as a teacher. I'm so proud of her. I never imagined she would be so good.

- Absolutely, Willian. She's really talented. I attended some of her classes when I first came here, because I wanted to know how my niece Alien would be received, we've had a lot of problems in the past at other schools. And from the first minute, I was impressed by the way she manages to interact with all the students.

- Yes, it's true. She has a special way of engaging the students and making learning interesting. That's something I really admire about her. What's more, she conveys knowledge in such a clear and passionate way. The students really seem to enjoy her lessons.

- They love Willian. Never in my life have I seen a place where children arrive at school smiling.

- Nathan! As a parent, it's so gratifying to see how she's making a difference in the lives of these young people. I'm sure she will inspire many of them to follow their own paths in education.

- I agree with you. She's a remarkable teacher and I'm sure her impact will be long-lasting. She has my respect and admiration.

- You know Nathan... I know that in the past I found it difficult to accept her choices, just as I didn't accept the family she had built, but I'm enjoying my second chance. I'm in love with my grandchildren.

- It's great to hear you say that, William. Nathan was really happy.

- When I hugged my grandchildren for the first time, something magical happened... that little being brought so much joy to my heart that I can hardly explain it. And my granddaughter is like a ray of sunshine, lighting up my days. I didn't know that being a grandparent could be so wonderful.

- I'm sure the children are loving this time with you.

- I want to create special memories with them, teach them things and be present in their lives. I want them to know that Grandpa made a lot of ugly mistakes, but that he took the chance to make amends and I want them to know how much I love them and that I'm here for them, with all my heart.

- I'm happy for you, Willian. I just wanted to bring you two back together.

- Nathan, I'm going to fight with all my might to try to soften Viola and Grace's hearts, I want them to feel this magic, this change in their hearts. I want them to have the opportunity to share precious moments with their family.

Nathan was happy to see that Elizabeth was beginning to relax around her father, the only thing he didn't want was for someone to hurt his wife. As for the children, their children were a well of love for their grandfather. He also felt lucky, because in this short period of time, he was building a great friendship with his father-in-law, William.

Lee, already working, went to the office every day, always with Henry driving his car. Rose was not at all happy to see her husband returning to work while still injured. Her seven-month pregnancy was going smoothly, but she was feeling like a soccer ball, but Lee was looking at her with such love and affection that he ended up convincing her that she looked really beautiful and sexy.

That afternoon, the school was prepared differently, because only a few students would be there, and Elizabeth would have to pass the final test, all of which would be monitored by the inspector general of education, Mr. Landy... The man was pacing back and forth and Elizabeth knew that this could make her students nervous and anxious. And so, she made a decision... she had already told the man that in her classroom were her rules... And so, she picked up the cow bell and, opening the doors, rang it:

She ran her eyes across the school lawn and saw her students together with their families, who had come to lend their support during this very important process; Rose, Bill, Lee, Nathan and her father were also there.

She smiled and, standing on the steps, invited everyone to say a prayer for the children who were about to take their final test:

"Dear God, in this moment of challenge, we gather our hearts with gratitude and hope. We ask for your guidance and strength for the students facing this test. May your light illuminate their paths, bringing clarity and wisdom. Grant them peace of mind to face the challenges they may encounter and confidence in their abilities. We also ask for the families of these young people, who are gathered here. Give them serenity and peace, knowing that they are supporting their children in their growth and education. Lord, bless the teacher and the educator who are here... may their teaching be reflected at this crucial time in the lives of these young people. May faith, effort and love prevail... Amen. "

Like a great choir, all those present spoke together:

- Amen.

Willian, in a low, emotional voice, shared with Bill and Nathan the intense scene he had just witnessed. He was visibly shaking and teary-eyed, because he had never imagined seeing his daughter say a prayer with so much faith in God and so much emotion.

- I could never have predicted this," said Willian with a sigh of admiration. To see Elizabeth, my little girl, showing so much love and devotion in her words, is something truly incredible. It's a reminder of how the power of faith can unite us and guide us through the storms of life.

Bill and Nathan, equally touched by the moment, nodded gratefully. They understood that, in that moment, they had witnessed something special and profound, something that inspired them to embrace the journey ahead even more, relying on love and faith to overcome all the challenges that life could throw at them.

Please bring the following students that I call into the room... you will have three hours to finish everything. Don't look around, don't talk and I'll give each of you a pencil and an eraser once you're seated where your name is...

- Robert

- Cody

- Laura

- Emily

Each of the children was hugged by their parents. Bill wrapped Cody in a tight hug, as Abigail was still in another city caring for her terminally ill mother, but he was there to support his little Cody on his journey. Each of the boys, as they passed Elizabeth, received a big hug and a beautiful smile, accompanied by a few words of encouragement and affection. Everyone watched as the boys entered the school and Elizabeth closed the doors behind them, always casting one last glance at her husband, a glance that carried the promise of unity and strength to face the challenges that fate had in store for them. With hearts full of hope and love, the door closed, marking the end of this chapter and the beginning of a new stage in the lives of these young pupils...