They were working hard for him, after all.
But a week into the new arrangement, Isabella received a call that made her stomach knot.
“Hi, Mrs. Russo. This is Ms. Denise—Leo’s daycare teacher. I don’t want to alarm you,” the woman said gently, “but something’s been happening the past few days that I think you should know about.”
Isabella held her breath. “Go on.”
“Leo’s usually cheerful. He runs into daycare happy and plays with the other kids all day. But the last three afternoons, the moment Mia shows up to pick him up, he bursts into tears. Not tantrums—real crying. I’ve seen it happen myself. I thought you should hear it from me.”
The call left Isabella frozen.
Leo wasn’t a fussy child. Even when she and Marco had been late picking him up in the past, he’d wait patiently. This reaction was new—and worrying.
When she told Marco that night, he tried to stay calm. “Maybe he just misses us? He only sees us in the mornings and at bedtime lately.”
“Maybe,” Isabella agreed, though something in her gut told her it was more than that.
That night, she tucked Leo into bed and decided to gently test the waters.
“Did you have fun at daycare today?” she asked as she pulled the blanket up to his chin.
Leo beamed. “Yes! I played with Patrick and Freddie. We made a castle with blocks.”
“And Ms. Denise? Do you like her?”
“She’s really nice. She always helps us with puzzles.”
Isabella smiled. So far, so good.
Then she leaned in a bit. “What about Mia? Do you like her too?”
Leo’s smile faded. He nodded—but with no expression. His little lips pressed together as if to hide something.
A mother knows.
Isabella didn’t push. She kissed his forehead, whispered goodnight, and turned off the light. But her heart ached with unease.
The next morning, before they opened the restaurant, she called Mia.
“Hey, just wanted to touch base,” Isabella began. “Leo’s teacher mentioned he gets really upset when you pick him up. Any idea why?”
“Oh,” Mia replied quickly, “He probably just misses you guys. He’s a sweet kid. I’m sure he’ll get used to me.”
Maybe. But Isabella couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right.
That entire day, she felt off—distracted, jittery, double-checking everything in the kitchen. Marco noticed it too.
“Let’s follow them,” she finally said. “Just once. Let’s see what’s going on after daycare.”
Marco nodded. “Let me talk to the floor manager. We’ll step out early tomorrow.”
The next afternoon, Isabella and Marco parked two blocks away from the daycare and waited.
At 4 p.m., they saw Mia arrive. Leo was still on the floor, building towers with his friends.
“Five more minutes?” he pleaded when Mia called him.
“No. Now,” Mia snapped, pulling him up without a word to the teachers.
“Was that necessary?” Marco muttered. “It’s not even late.”
They stayed a few car-lengths behind as Mia and Leo walked the short route back to the house. As they turned onto their street, Isabella’s heart sank.
Leo wasn’t even walking beside her. He trailed behind, his backpack bouncing, his shoulders slouched. Once they reached the house, Mia walked in without looking back. Leo stood on the porch a moment, then wandered into the yard alone.
“She just left him outside?” Isabella gasped.
They pulled up slowly, parking just two houses away. From there, they watched in disbelief.
Leo sat by himself, poking at the dirt with a stick. There were no toys, no snacks, no company.
Inside, through the open blinds, Mia stood in front of a mirror. She was doing her makeup, filming herself on her phone. Occasionally, she’d change outfits, toss her hair, and pose. Not once did she look outside or call for Leo.
“She has no idea he’s even there,” Isabella whispered.
“She doesn’t care,” Marco said tightly. “Let’s go.”
They stepped out of the car. Leo lit up when he saw them.
“Mama! Papa!”
They scooped him into hugs, then headed inside.
Mia turned around, startled, lipstick halfway across her lips.
“Mr. and Mrs. Russo! I—I didn’t expect you back so early…”
Marco didn’t waste time. “Pack your things. You’re done.”
Mia grabbed her bag and left without another word.
Isabella sat on the couch with Leo and pulled him close. “You okay, sweetheart?”
He nodded sleepily. “Can we read tonight?”
“Of course,” she whispered. “We’ll read as long as you want.”
After putting Leo to bed, Isabella called Ms. Denise to thank her.
“You did the right thing,” Isabella told her. “I wouldn’t have known otherwise.”
“I’m just glad Leo has parents who listen. If you’d like, I know a few professional nannies in town—women who’ve worked with kids for years. I’d be happy to connect you.”
That same week, Isabella and Marco met with two candidates and hired Gabriella—a kind, soft-spoken woman in her forties who’d worked in early childhood development for nearly two decades.
She cost more than Mia. But Isabella didn’t care.
Leo’s happiness was worth every cent.
From the very first day, Gabriella showed why she came so highly recommended. She arrived early, brought a tote full of books and crafts, and greeted Leo with genuine warmth. The change in Leo was immediate.
Each week, Isabella would check in with Ms. Denise.
“Any more tears at pickup?” she’d ask.
“None. Just smiles. He hugs Gabriella every time she arrives.”
At home, Isabella asked Leo the same.
“Do you like Gabriella?” she asked one night as she buttoned his pajamas.
“She’s the best,” Leo grinned. “She even played in the sandbox after school. She’s like Ms. Denise but even more fun!”
Isabella’s heart filled.
One evening, just before closing, Gabriella popped into the restaurant with Leo.
“I was heading this way and thought I’d drop by,” she said warmly.
Marco came from the kitchen, still in his apron, wiping his hands.
Leo rushed into his arms.
That night, they sat at a booth together, the four of them, sharing pasta and stories from the day.
It became a tradition.
Every Friday after closing, Gabriella and Leo would come by. They’d eat together—just like a family.
Isabella still missed the long afternoons with her son. But knowing he was happy, safe, and cared for brought her peace. And every night, when she tucked him in and asked how his day was, Leo’s eyes would sparkle, and she’d know they’d made the right decision.