51
Sabrina’s POV
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Seeing his happiness warmed my heart. He quickly grabbed a spoon and began to eat heartily. Meanwhile, Nicholas enjoyed the atmosphere, watching our togetherness with a smile on his face. The sound of spoons clinking and Charlie’s little laughter filled the kitchen, creating a moment full of warmth and happiness.
I sat next to Charlie, watching him eat eagerly. “Eat slowly okay? Don’t choke,” I reminded him, feeling relieved to see him enjoying his meal.
Meanwhile, Nicholas silently observed both of us. He appeared calm, but I could see the warrn look in his eyes something I hadn’t seen much of lately. Charlie’s presence truly brought life to the quiet home.
This simple moment provided a sense of wholeness that I had missed, even if just for a while. The sound of spoons clinking against plates and Charlie’s little laughs created an atmosphere full of warmth. I was grateful to be with them, feeling the happiness that had faded away.
After Charlie finished eating, he turned to me with hopeful eyes. “Mom, I want to ask something,” he said softly.
1 smiled, stroking his slightly messy hair. “Of course, dear. What does Charlie want to ask?”
He bit his lower lip, as if hesitating. “My friends at school just said they went on a picnic with their moms and dads. I want to go on a picnic with you and Dad too. Can we?
I paused for a moment, feeling my throat tighten. His innocent gaze was filled with a simple desire, but beneath it lay a hidden loneliness. Seeing him made my heart heavy. I glanced at Nicholas, who also looked affected by the request. He lowered his head, gripping the edge of the table as if holding back his feelings.
The mixed emotions of hope and sadness filled the air. We both knew that Charlie’s wish was not just for a picnic but also to experience a sense of togetherness. In that silent moment, I silently vowed to try to spend more time with our family, even though the challenges felt heavy.
“Charlie,” I tried to speak in a cheerful tone, hiding my emotions. “Of course, we can go on a picnic. Mom would be very happy to go with you.”
Charlie’s eyes lit up instantly. “Really? When? Now?”
I stifled a small laugh at his enthusiasm. “Mom has to check if the weather is good, okay? Promise.”
Charlie jumped from his chair and hugged me tightly. “Thank you, Mom! I’m so happy!” he said excitedly.
Nicholas finally lifted his gaze, and I could see the sadness in his eyes. He looked at me, as if silently apologizing. I returned his gaze softly, trying to show him that I didn’t blame him for the situation.
That moment reminded me of how important it is to maintain our togetherness despite the difficulties we face. With renewed hope, 1 resolved to create more moments like this, where Charlie could feel our love and attention. The atmosphere in the kitchen felt warmer now, even with the challenges we had to confront.
“Dad is coming too, right?” Charlie suddenly asked, breaking the hug and turning to look at Nicholas.
Nicholas smiled faintly, though I knew that smile hid many things. “Of course. Dad wouldn’t miss a picnic with Charlie and Mom.”
“Yay!” Charlie cheered, jumping for joy and spinning around in the living room. Seeing him so happy relieved me, but at the same time, my heart ached.
Charlie’s excitement brought a little light back into our home, but it also reminded me of the challenges we faced as a family. Even though sadness lingered, I tried to enjoy this moment and hoped that the picnic could be a small
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step toward a better togetherness.
As Charlie busied himself playing with his toys in the living room, Nicholas and I sat on the sofa. The atmosphere between us was quiet, but not entirely awkward.
“I didn’t know he felt that way,” Nicholas finally said, his voice low and filled with regret.
I lowered my head, fidgeting with my fingers. “He’s still a kid. Of course, he wants to feel the warmth of family. Maybe we’ve been too busy worrying about our own problems and forgot that he needs our attention too.”
Nicholas sighed deeply, running his hand through his neck anxiously. “I’ll do my best to make sure we can have the picnic now. I want him to know he’s not alone.”
I smiled faintly. “I want him to be happy too. And I hope we can provide that for him, even if it’s just once in a while.”
We exchanged glances in silence, as if understanding each other without words. For Charlie, we would try to be a family, despite all the wounds that had yet to heal.
Before long, the sun shone brightly, and the sky was a clear blue without a cloud in sight. This atmosphere was perfect for the picnic we had planned. Charlie had bathed and dressed fresh, his face glowing with excitement. He couldn’t stop asking when we would leave, his voice trembling with joy.
Nicholas and I exchanged smiles, watching his enthusiasm. This moment seemed to erase all the sadness that had been present, replacing it with new hope. As we prepared to leave, I felt warmth in my heart, praying that today would be the beginning of many beautiful memories we would create together as a family.
After everything was ready, we headed to a nearby city park I carried a picnic basket filled with food I had prepared that moming–sandwiches, fruits, and some small cakes that Charlie loved. Nicholas brought a large mat and a small ball for playing.
Upon arriving at the park, Charlie immediately ran off to find the best spot, shouting, “Here, here! This is the place!”
I laughed, shaking my head lightly, and set the basket down where he pointed. “Alright, we’ll picnic here,” I said, spreading the mat with Nicholas’s help.
Once everything was set, we sat together on the mat. Charlie quickly grabbed the sandwich he had been eyeing. This is so good, Mom!” he exclaimed with a mouthful. I chuckled, ruffling his hair which was dusted with crumbs. Nicholas smiled slightly while munching on some fruit. “You’re really a great cook, sweetheart,” he said. The compliment made my cheeks flush a bit. It had been a long time since he praised me like that.
After eating, Charlie stood up, grabbing the small ball he had brought from home. pulling Nicholas and me along enthusiastically.
Let’s play ball
he shouted,
