Carlotta looked at her.
"If you don't drink your milk, the big wolf will come and eat you tonight."
"There's no wolf!"
Maria's eyes trembled even as she said those words.
Carlotta smiled meaningfully.
"Then don't drink."
Maria hesitated, then grabbed her cup and started drinking.
Carlotta smiled.
A small, tired smile that faded as quickly as it came.
Once breakfast was over, she helped Dion with his clothes.
Then she tied his small satchel across her shoulder so she could carry him more easily.
"Wear your slippers today. I'll bring the new shoes when I come home," she told Nikos.
"Okay!"
She grabbed Nikos's and Maria's hands as they left the apartment together.
The morning air was cool.
The streets were slowly coming alive with cars and people heading to work.
Carlotta walked them to their school, a public one about fifteen minutes away. It wasn't fancy, but it was enough.
"Bye, sis!" Maria waved as they ran to their friends.
