Chapter 6 Miss You So Much
Orion seemed utterly convinced that I would say yes, his excitement making his ears flush a deep red.
But I merely cast a glance his way and then expressionlessly closed the window.
Out of sight, out of mind.
However, it wasn’t long before the persistent knocking began again in the living room.
“Mom, it’s me!”
I hadn’t planned on opening the door, but their relentless knocking wore me down.
So, I gently coaxed Mia into the bedroom, turned, and opened the door.
The moment I did, Orion rushed into my arms, sweat glistening on his forehead.
Roger’s eyes were fixed on me, scrutinizing my every move.
“Mom, I missed you so much! I have a cavity, and it really hurts!”
Orion lifted his little face toward me, eagerly recounting his
recent experiences.
He complained that Lillian didn’t take care of him properly.
“Ms. Miller doesn’t make hot soup, and she doesn’t read me stories…”
It was funny how people, kids included, only realized someone’s importance after they’d lost them.
It was often in those moments of absence that longing became palpable.
Even Roger, who usually kept to himself, gently took my hand.
His voice was soft, his gaze wrapped in a warmth that felt almost tender.
“Felicity, it took you leaving for me to truly understand how much I need you.
“I’m sorry for how I spoke to you that day.”
Orion chimed in, “And I want to say sorry too, Mom.
“Remember how you wanted a gem necklace? Look what I have!”
With that, he pulled out a beautiful little box from his pocket.
Inside lay a magnificent gemstone necklace, quietly glistening under the light. The stones sparkled like stars, casting a radiant
glow.
Orion proudly tilted his head back, almost beaming with joy.
“I bought this with my own savings, Mom. Do you like it?”
At that moment, I should have been thrilled.
I should have smiled, taken Orion’s hand, and then leaped into Roger’s embrace with joy.
Yet, not a single string in my heart was plucked.
Instead, I managed a polite smile, pulled my hand away from Roger’s grip, and gently pushed Orion away from me.
I said, “I don’t need it.”
Roger’s face paled at my words.
But Orion, oblivious to the tension, continued to try and press the necklace into my hands.
“Mom, look! Isn’t it beautiful?
“Dad helped me choose it!”
I ignored him, my gaze locked on Roger instead.
With a slow sigh, I reached up and tweaked the long strand of hair that belonged to Lillian, resting on his shoulder.
“Roger, you really are careless as ever.”
