It had been three years since Lisa had left behind everything she once knew, trading a life filled with chaos and unresolved pain for a fresh start. In that time, she'd undergone a transformation, growing into the role of a single mother, a business owner, and a woman who was finally in control of her own story.
Her daughter, Maya, was now a bright and spirited three-year-old, the very center of Lisa's universe. Maya had a personality that could light up a room—her laughter was as contagious as her curiosity, and her playful, mischievous nature reminded Lisa daily of her best friend, Estabel . Maya's wide eyes sparkled with the same intelligence and defiance that Estabel had often shown in the face of life's challenges. And though Lisa and Estabel hadn't seen each other in person since she'd left, their bond hadn't weakened. They spoke frequently, sharing everything from major milestones to the small, funny details of daily life.