The Unveiled Rose

I watched him.

Reuben continued, "They're both in the same class."

Joyce chimed in as if to take credit. "I've been watching all the kids in our class, and Nigel is looked after the best! That's when I thought Nigel's mom had to be my mom!" She flashed a sweet smile. "Now, my dream has come true."

She was such a well-behaved and adorable kid. Even my icy heart felt a bit of warmth from her words.

I smiled, gazing at her cherubic face. "Congratulations."

Joyce giggled, continuing with her meal.

"Since I've agreed to be her mom, I should act like a real mom, right? Pick her up and drop her off. The whole deal."

Turning to Reuben, I said, "It doesn't matter who's at the school. I'll be there."

Reuben nodded. "We'd really appreciate that."

I casually replied, "No trouble at all; it's what I should do."

...

I thought Joyce opening up to me was a sign of progress.

But when others at home tried to talk to her, she still wouldn't respond. She would only nod or shake her head at Reuben.

Sitting in the car, watching Joyce beside me, I finally understood why Reuben was so insistent on having me come over to be Joyce's mom. Otherwise...Joyce's condition might have worsened.

We stopped at the preschool gate, and I took Joyce's hand, walking her to the entrance.

After the last incident, the teachers obviously recognized me, their eyes filled with caution.

Reuben stepped forward, frowning, "This is Joyce's mom. We hope you get to know her because she'll pick up and drop off Joyce from now on." The teachers exchanged glances, curious, but ultimately asked nothing.

"That's just fine," they said with a nod.

I crouched down, looking at Joyce. "You be good and go to class. Mommy will come pick you up in the afternoon, okay?"

Joyce's eyes welled up, clearly not wanting to part. "Then, Mommy, you have to be the first one to come get me."

After saying that and remembering my health, she quickly added, "But it's okay to be a bit late. Your health is more important." Such an understanding child.

I was moved. "Alright. I will do as you say."

Joyce then reluctantly walked into the preschool, turning back every few steps. "Mommy!"

I watched her small figure. "I'm here."

Joyce cried. "I'll miss you."

She usually doesn't say a word in preschool, almost as if she couldn't speak at all.

But she spoke so much all at once, and the teachers by the door looked at each other in shock.

Joyce continued, "Mommy, you have to miss me too!"

I played along, "I will."

"Why are you here at preschool?"

Before my gaze could shift from Joyce, Nigel's voice reached me.

I turned to look at him.

Nigel eyed me warily, "Are you still not giving up? Are you planning to snatch me away when no one's looking?"Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

He despised me, nothing but loathing, and now, my feelings weren't much different towards him.

Ignoring him, I was about to leave, but Nigel blocked my way. "I'm warning you! No matter how many times you come to the preschool gate. I won't go with you." "What are you talking about?" My expression cooled. "Why would I want to take you? Who are you to me?"

Nigel was taken aback by my question.