Charlie giggled happily and Immediately stuck the “flag” on top of his sand castle. “Done! This castle is for you, mommy,” he said proudly.
I was silent for a moment, feeling emotion flood my heart. Thank you, honey. Mommy really likes the castle.” I stroked his hair, which was already messy from playing “oes Charlie know? Mommy loves Charlie very much.”
Charlie paused for a moment, looking at me with his round yes. “I love you too, Mom. If you leave again, I’ll be sad,” he said innocently.
Those words stabbed my heart like a knife. I tried to smile, even though it was hard, “Mommy won’t leave again, honey,” I promised. Although in my heart, I knew I didn’t low how long I could survive this situation.
Charlie smiled again, returning to his imaginary world. He began to decorate his castle with small leaves that he
trying to capture every detail of this
had collected around him. While I sat beside him, watching him lovingly
moment in my memory.
Every now and then, I glanced at Nicholas, who was standing outside the play area, busy with his cell phone. His face was serious, probably replying to a work email or an important message. He glanced at us occasionally, but immediately returned to his cellphone screen. I wondered, did he really understand how precious this moment. was to me? To Charlie?
Amidst the decoration of small leaves, Charlie looked so happy. Every time he hooked a leaf to the wall of his imaginary castle, his wide smile seemed to infect the air around him. He was a little architect, designing a world that only his wild and playful imagination could understand. I wanted so badly to capture that expression, to engrave it in a memory that would never fade.
Nicholas, though seemingly lost in his digital world, would occasionally steal glances at us. Behind the screen of his phone, there were moments missed, small moments that were irreplaceable, like Charlie’s laughter or even the sound of leaves rustling as he carefully arranged them. I tried not to feel too disappointed, though I longed for him to join in, to share in the laughter and joy.
“Hey, Charlie!” I called softly. “Look, there’s a star–shaped leaf over there!” I pointed to a beautiful leaf near our feet, hoping to pique Nicholas‘ interest in breaking away from his phone world and joining in our game.
Charlie jumped up excitedly, running over and gathering the leaf I pointed to. “Let’s make a star at the entrance to the castle!” he shouted cheerfully as if nothing else in the world could be more important. At that moment, everything felt right, even though I knew Nicholas was still caught up in something that probably wasn’t as exciting as our fun.
I glanced back at Nicholas, anxious for his reaction.
Charlie then grabbed my hand, leading me into the game. “Mommy, let’s build a bridge!”
I laughed, getting up from my seat, and following his little lead. “Okay, my little architect, I’m here to help!” I felt like a child again, lost in the simple joy of being with him.
Time seemed to stand still. Even though my life has been a whirlwind lately, these moments with Charlie are a refreshing oasis. I know I have to fight for these moments to be by his side, no matter what.
Charlie tugged at my hand excitedly. “Mommy, let’s build a path from the castle to the bridge!” he said, pointing to the pile of sand he had just formed.
I smiled, trying to match the energy he was radiating. “Okay, little architect! Let’s build the most magnificent path!” I replied excitedly.
7/2
+25 BONUS
But suddenly, Charlle stopped and looked at Nicholas who was still standing with fils phone. “Dad Dad, help me tool Let’s build a path together!” he shouted loudly.
I stiffened instantly, just as Nicholas looked surprised to hear the call. His face was a little confused, but he finally put his phone in his pocket. With hesitant steps, he approached where we were playing
“Dad, come here! Sit here!” Charlle pointed to the empty space next to me. “Dad made the long path. Morn and I made a gate here!” he said, pointing to a different spot on s sand castle.
Nicholas glanced at me, awkwardly. His gaze seemed to ask if I would object to this idea. I took a deep breath, then smiled a little. “Come on, let’s play with Charlie,” I said, trying to ease the tense atmosphere.
Nicholas finally sat down in the sand, a little awkwardly. “Okay, Charlle. Daddy made the best path, okay?” he said, picking up a small shovel that was lying nearby.
Charlie cheered happily. “Yes! This is the best team!” he said cheerfully, then went back to busying himself with the gate he and I had made.
The three of us began to work together, although the atmosphere was awkward. Nicholas occasionally glanced at me when we accidentally touched or when Charlie asked us to share tools. I found it hard to ignore his presence so close. This was the first time in a long time that we had done something together as a “family,” even if it was just a simple game in the sandbox.
As we built the sand castle, I couldn’t help but smile as Charlie enthusiastically showed me his designs. He was so excited, and I felt his happiness rubbing off on me. In small moments like these, the tension between Nicholas and I seemed to fade, though I knew it was only temporary
Nicholas was busy building the tower, occasionally smiling at Charlie as the boy confidently guided our steps. But every time his eyes met mine, a strange feeling crept into my chest. It wasn’t just awkwardness; there was something deeper, something that made me feel confused about myself.
“Dad, look! The path you made is so beautiful!” Charlie exclaimed, full of admiration for Nicholas‘ work.
Nicholas smiled slightly, his gaze softening. “Of course, Dad is good at building paths,” he replied, patting Charlie’s head.
Charlie giggled, then looked at me. “Mommy, now you’re going to build a tower! It’ll make the castle even cooler!”
I nodded, starting to build a small tower out of sand. Every now and then I glanced at Nicholas, who seemed more relaxed now. He even started talking to Charlie about how to add a “suspension bridge” out of small twigs they
found.
These moments felt so rare, almost like a slice of life that had only existed in my imagination. Even though our relationship was full of hurt and rifts, we were able to be here, together, for Charlie.
When the castle was finally finished, Charlie jumped for joy. “We’re so cool! Thank you, Mom! Thank you, Dad!” he said, hugging us in turn.
I felt tears welling up in my eyes, but I held them back. At least Charlie was happy today. That was enough for me.
