Chapter 5
As I was leaving, Vicente said, “Think about it. A child at this age can’t be without a mother.” He added confidently with bright eyes, “Besides, you don’t feel good about leaving Jamie, do you?”
I thought deeply, but all the memories that surfaced were of Sofia.
Her favorite vegetables were tomatoes and potatoes. She wasn’t picky. The only food she hated was ginger, but that was okay because I didn’t like it too. Her favorite color was blue, and she actually preferred dresses over shorts, but she was too proud to admit it.
These little things had erased Jamie from my mind.
I looked up, a natural smile on my lips. “You reminded me. I need to go back. My daughter hasn’t eaten yet.”
Under Vicente’s gaze with disbelief, I opened the door, got in the car, and drove home quickly. When I arrived, Sofia had finished her homework and was watching TV on the sofa alone.
Seeing me, she moved her little legs and ran to the kitchen to serve me a bowl of risotto.
“Thank you,” I said, inhaling the fragrant aroma and rubbing Sofia’s head. I wanted to tease her again. Don’t you want to ask me something?”
“What?” She pulled her attention away from the TV, a bit confused.
“Like ‘Will you abandon me for that kid“?”
“Will you?” She was so straightforward that it embarrassed me. “No, I won’t.”
Sofia nodded. “That’s good. I’m going to bed.”
I was greatly disappointed. “Shouldn’t you throw yourself into my arms and cry with me? That’s how it goes in TV dramas.”
Sofia, who had already walked into her bedroom, sighed, “Mom, you should watch more horror movies instead.”
At the school’s parent–child sports meet, the last event was a three–legged race of parents and their children.
After moving to Casterview, I opened a small restaurant, working from 9 AM to 6 PM. I didn’t seek great wealth. It was just to make ends meet.
I closed the restaurant early that day and arrived just in time for the last event.
While practicing with Sofia on the side, Jamie held the rope, looking at us timidly.
During the break, he cautiously tugged at my sleeve. “Mom, Dad isn’t coming today. Can you do it with me?”
I looked at his hand gripping my shirt, and he immediately let go, flashing an ingratiating smile. Honestly, seeing my once–cherished child so humble and cautious made me sad.
Chapter &
I wasn’t sure if it was a lingering maternal instinct for Jamie or pity for myself, who had deres met o
him.
But whichever it was, my bond with Jamie as mother and son had reached its end, and I had no dejero
renew or restart it.
I crouched down, my tone unusually gentle. “I’ll be with my daughter later. If your dad isn’t here, you can ask the teacher for help.”
Jamie slowly let go of the rope, obviously disappointed
He sniffled, trying to control his emotions, forcing an awkward smile. “Okay, Mom, fill ask the teacher
Sofia and I were the second to cross the finish line. After untying the rope, I picked her up and kissed her chubby cheeks.
“Honey, I will cook prawns for dinner, okay?”
Sofia whispered in my ear, “Mom, that kid is looking at you again.”
I turned around in surprise to see Vicente and Jamie standing together. Seeing me holding Sofia, Jamie had a mix of envy and gloom in his eyes.
Vicente approached me, not surprised to see Sofia. “Today’s Jamie’s birthday. Let’s have dinner together Jamie also looked at me, his little hand’s unconsciously twisted together.
