Cousins

On a crisp Monday morning, after the usual rush and grumbling, Emilio and Skylar separated with a kid in tow. Emilio, as usual with Valentina and Skylar with Lorenzo. Emilio bid farewell to his daughter as she bounded into her school, backpack slung over her shoulder. With a quick wave, he headed off to work, leaving Valentina to navigate the bustling halls of her educational haven.

As recess time approached, the kids were let out into the schoolyard, Valentina’s keen eyes spotted a familiar figure among the throng of children. It was Jared, her younger cousin by a few years, though she had only recently discovered this familial connection. Determined to forge a bond with him, she strode purposefully toward him, a smile playing on her lips.

“Hi, Jared!” Valentina exclaimed, catching the younger boy’s attention. Jared, taken aback by her sudden appearance, returned her smile tentatively. He hadn’t seen her before.

“Hi,” Jared replied shyly, adjusting his grip on his toy car.

“I’m