He stood. You've been talking about wanting to work with kids professionally, about turning what you've learned with our family into something bigger. So, I reached out to Dr. Martinez, got your transcripts from your undergrad, and put together an application without asking me because I knew you'd say no. Because it's not your decision to make.
You're right. I overstepped. But Elena, you got in full scholarship, one of the best programs in the country. Elena sat down hard. I can't go to Colombia.
Why not? Because we're going home in 4 months. Because I have responsibilities. Because what if we stayed? Elena looked at him.
What? What if we stayed in New York? Mason said carefully. The project's going well. They want to make the office permanent.
And if you're in grad school here, Mason, the kids' whole lives are back home. The kids are wherever we are. And honestly, they're thriving here. Sophie's doing better in school. Ethan joined a gaming group.
Mar's been taking actual art classes. That doesn't mean we should stay permanently. No, but it means we could if we wanted to. Elena's head was spinning. This is too much.
I know. I'm sorry. I should have talked to you first before applying, but I meant what I said. You're brilliant at this, at understanding kids, at helping them heal. You should have the credentials to do it professionally.
What if I fail? What if you don't? Elena stared at the acceptance letter Mason pulled up on his computer. Columbia University, full scholarship, a future she'd never let herself imagine. Can I think about it?
Take all the time you need. That night, Elena called Dr. Martinez, you applied to grad school for me. Technically, Mason did the paperwork. I just wrote the recommendation.
Why? Because you're a natural, Elena. The way you connect with those kids, the way you understand trauma and attachment, that's not something you can teach. But the framework to build on it, that's what graduate school gives you. I don't know if I can do it.
Why not? Because what if I'm not actually good at this? What if I've just been lucky with Mason's kids? Do you think you've been lucky? Elena thought about Mara's breakthrough after the art show, Sophie's growing confidence, Ethan's willingness to open up.
No, she admitted. I think I've been working really hard. Exactly. So, stop diminishing yourself and own what you're capable of. After the call, Elena found all three kids in the living room.
Can I ask you guys something? They looked up. What would you think about staying in New York permanently? Sophie's eyes went wide. Really?
Maybe if we all agreed. I vote yes, Sophie said immediately. Ethan looked thoughtful. What about our house back home? We'd keep it.
Visit during holidays and my friends. You'd visit them, too, but you'd make new friends here. Ethan considered this. Okay, I'm in. Mara was quiet.