Sofia just graduated high school with honors, earning a scholarship to a good university. Maya cried through out the entire ceremony, remembering her own interrupted college experience from years ago, so proud that her daughter was getting to do it the traditional way.
"Don't cry, Mom," Sofia said, hugging her afterward. "You are going to embarrass me."
"I am your mother. It is my job to embarrass you. And I am so proud of you, mija. So incredibly proud."
Isabella was thriving in high school, captain of the soccer team, she is surrounded by great friends, she is so full of confidence and joy. Lucas was in middle school, still making them laugh, and he is still the glue that held his sisters together.
Ethan's business had grown to three locations. Maya had been promoted to office manager. They were able to pay off the house, built up savings, and even started a college fund for Lucas.
They were not rich by any means, but they were comfortable. More importantly, they were happy.
On Sofia's first day of college, Maya and Ethan drove her to campus, helping her move into her dorm room.
As they said goodbye, Sofia hugged them both tightly.
"Thank you," she said. "For everything. I know it was not easy, having me when you were so young. But you never made me feel like a burden. You always made me feel loved."
"That is because you were loved," Maya said, tears streaming down her face. "From the moment we knew about you, you were so loved."
On the drive home, Maya and Ethan were quiet, processing the milestone.
"Our baby is in college, I can not believe it" Maya finally said.
"I know. When did that happen?"
"Somewhere between diapers and driver's licenses."
They laughed, but it was bittersweet. Their family was entering a new phase of life, one where the kids would slowly leave, will be building their own lives.
But for now, they still had Isabella and Lucas at home. they still had family dinners and movie nights and the beautiful chaos of everyday life.
Now years later, when Sofia brought home her own boyfriend, Maya and Ethan exchanged those knowing looks across the dinner table. They saw themselves in the young couple in front of them, the nervousness, the hope, and the love.
"Be nice, babe" Maya whispered to Ethan as they were clearing away the dishes.
"I am always nice."
"You are interrogating him."
"I am getting to know him. There is a difference."
After Sofia and her boyfriend left, Isabella cornered her parents in the kitchen.
"You guys are so embarrassing," she said, but she was smiling.
"Again, it is our job," Ethan replied.
Lucas wandered in, he is now a teenager himself. "Are we having ice cream? I want ice cream. I heard something about ice cream."
And just like that, the moment has passed so quickly, and they were back to the everyday rhythm of the hustle and bustle of their lives.