Chapter 39

Ramon POV

The bell rang at precisely three-fifteen, and I watched through the car window as children poured out of Westbrook Academy’s front doors in a chaotic stream of backpacks and excited chatter. I’d positioned the vehicle in our usual spot under the oak tree, close enough for easy visibility but far enough to maintain some privacy.

Ollie emerged in the first wave, his small form immediately scanning the parking area with practiced efficiency. The moment his eyes landed on the car, his entire face lit up with joy that made my chest tight. He broke into a run, his backpack bouncing against his shoulders as he raced toward us.

“Mama, you did not come out to greet me!” he called out before he’d even reached the door, his voice carrying that mixture of excitement and reproach that only a five-year-old could master.

“And there are so many things I have to tell you about today! Mrs. Patterson let us use the science lab and Marcus—friend Marcus, not driv