Elara's POV
The bright spring sun illuminated the school's playground as families gathered for the annual parent-child day. Laughter and excited chatter filled the air. I stood a few feet away from Damien and Cora, watching them pose for a photo with Cora's winning trophy.
"Say cheese!" Ms. Ashton called out cheerfully.
Cora beamed, her small hand clutching her father's larger one. The flash went off, capturing a perfect family moment. Except we weren't really a family anymore. Just three people playing pretend for a day.
"Mrs. Thorne," Clara Hayes appeared beside me, her voice honey-sweet, "would you like to join them for the next photo?"
"Oh, I'm fine here," I replied politely.
Clara tilted her head. "I'm sure Cora would want her mother in the picture too."
Before I could respond, Clara called out, "Cora, sweetie! Don't you want your mom in the photo?"
Cora looked up, momentarily confused, then nodded. "Oh, yeah. Come on, Mom!"