Daughter of a Witch

Slipping Through Her Fingers

The morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow across Y/n's bedroom.

Agatha stood in the doorway, her arms crossed, watching her daughter rummage through her closet, pulling out clothes for the day. Rio sat on the edge of the bed, folding the clothes Y/n had already picked out, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Y/n had always been a bright spark that lit up Agatha's life. But now, as she prepared for her first day of college, something in her movements felt different—more deliberate, more grown-up. Agatha's heart clenched at the sight. When had her little girl become this young woman standing before her?

"Do you think this looks okay?" Y/n turned, holding up a sweater.

Agatha smiled. "You'd look beautiful in anything, sweetheart."

Rio chuckled, smoothing out a pair of jeans. "She's right, mi amor. But if you're bringing that sweater, you should take the black boots too."

Y/n rolled her eyes but grinned as she tossed the sweater onto her bed. Agatha watched as she packed her suitcase, the once-familiar sight of scattered books and trinkets now taking on a heavier meaning. This was it. The moment she had always known would come but never felt ready for.

She thought back to all the mornings she'd spent braiding Y/n's hair before school, the sleepy giggles over breakfast, the rushed school drop-offs where Y/n would wave from the car, her little fingers wiggling in the air. Those moments once felt endless as if time would always stretch before them. They were slipping away, just memories tucked away in Agatha's heart.

Despite only being back in Y/n's life since she was sixteen, Rio had stepped seamlessly into the role. She had been there for late-night talks, laughter, tears, and every milestone since her return. Though she had raised Y/n alone for years, Agatha had grown used to sharing those moments. But now, they were both watching their daughter step into the world on her own, and it was a bittersweet ache neither of them could ignore.

As Y/n zipped up her suitcase, Agatha exhaled softly. "It's slipping through my fingers," she murmured, almost to herself. "I don't know where the time went."

Y/n paused at the words, her eyes flickering between both of her mothers. She walked over, wrapping her arms tightly around Agatha, holding on for just a few extra seconds. "I love you, Mom."

Agatha closed her eyes, pressing a kiss to Y/n's hair. "I love you too, baby."

Rio joined the embrace, resting her chin on Y/n's shoulder. "We both do. Always."

Y/n hesitated before stepping back. "You okay?"

How could they put it into words? The pride, the ache, the overwhelming love? Agatha reached up, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Y/n's ear. "I'm just realizing how fast it all went."

A flicker of understanding crossed Y/n's face. "I'll come home to visit. You know that, right?"

Agatha nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Of course."

Rio let out a soft laugh, rubbing Y/n's arm. "Yeah, but expect at least ten calls a week. Minimum."

Y/n groaned dramatically. "You two are going to smother me."

"Absolutely," Agatha and Rio said in unison, making Y/n laugh.

Y/n slung her bag over her shoulder and turned to face them fully. "One more cup of coffee before we go?"

Agatha laughed, brushing away a tear before it could fall. "I'd love that."

Rio linked her arm through Agatha's as they followed their daughter downstairs. As they walked to the kitchen, side by side, Agatha held onto this moment, knowing that no matter how much time slipped through her fingers, Y/n would always be their little girl.

As they sat around the kitchen table, Y/n curled her fingers around her coffee mug, her gaze drifting toward the window. "Do you remember when I was little, and you'd sit with me at this table while I did my homework?"

Agatha chuckled. "I remember you getting frustrated over math problems and insisting they were 'pointless.'"

Rio smirked. "And now look at you, off to college. I bet you'll still find something to complain about."

Y/n gasped playfully. "Mami! I am a very mature adult."

Agatha and Rio exchanged amused glances. "Sure, sweetie," Agatha teased.

They lingered over their coffee, stretching out the moment as much as they could. Finally, the time came to leave. The car was packed, and Y/n stood by the door, taking one last look around.

Rio reached out, squeezing Agatha's hand. "We did good," she whispered.

Agatha nodded, her chest tight. "Yeah, we did."

Y/n turned back to them with a soft smile. "Ready?"

Neither of them were. But they nodded anyway.

As they stepped out the door, Agatha clung to the memory of Y/n's childhood, letting it warm her even as it slipped through her fingers.