I Walked My Neighbor’s Daughter to School Every Morning — One Day, My Life Turned Upside Down Because of It

“It’s okay,” I whispered. “I’ve got you.”

That night, when I tucked her into bed in my home, she gripped my hand.

“You’re not leaving?”

I squeezed back.

She closed her eyes.

Her breathing evened out.

But she didn’t let go of my hand, so I sat there in the dark until I was sure she was really asleep.

The next morning, we walked to school like we had for the past two years, but everything was different now.

At the front desk, the secretary slid a form across the counter.

“Guardian?” she asked.

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