25
Sabrina’s POV
After we were tired of playing, we sal on one of the park benches eating ice cream. Charlie chewed on the strawberry ice cream in his hand enthusiastically, while I sat next to him, occasionally taking a bite of my own chocolate ice cream. The cold air from the ice cream was refreshing, even though the atmosphere between Nicholas and I was far from relaxed.
Nicholas sat across from us, eating his vanilla ice cream quietly, although I could see his eyes glancing at me every now and then. I tried to avoid eye contact, focusing on Charlie who was telling me about his school. “Mom, I drew a family picture at school!” he said cheerfully. “There’s me, Mom, Dad… but I forgot to draw Mom Hazel,” he said innocently.
I was silent for a moment, trying to cover up the stinging feeling that suddenly crept into my chest. I just smiled thinly. “You must have drawn a really good picture. When it’s finished, Mommy wants to see it, okay?”
Charlie nodded enthusiastically, then turned to Nicholas. “Dad, help me make another one, okay? I want to draw a castle too, like earlier!”
Nicholas smiled slightly, nodding. “Sure, Charlie. Daddy’s here to help.”
While Charlie was busy with his ice cream, I glanced at Nicholas. I wanted to say something, but every word that crossed my mind felt inappropriate. Should I thank him for letting me be with Charlie today? Or should I apologize for all the commotion that happened?
However, before I could decide, Nicholas spoke first. “Charlie was really happy today.”
I nodded, trying to stay calm. “Yeah, I’m glad I got to spend time with him too.”
He just nodded, going back to eating his ice cream without saying anything else. The atmosphere was awkward, but at least he wasn’t as cold as usual. But his eyes seemed to be searching for something deeper than just small talk
“He often misses being together like this. Frankly, I’m a little worried that he can’t feel happy after everything that happened.”
Those words made me pause for a moment. I knew how hard it was for Charlie. Life wasn’t always kind, and even though he tried to smile, I could feel the deep hurt that must still be there. “We all need time to heal,” I said quietly. “But I feel like if we can support each other, things will get better.”
Nicholas nodded, his expression serious. “I hope you’re right. Sometimes, I feel left out of his life, and I want him to know that I still care.”
My heart quivered at the statement. I wanted to make Nicholas understand, but I didn’t want to overdo it. “You being here means a lot. Sometimes, presence is more important than words,” I said, trying to reassure both of us.
As Charlie took a spoonful of ice cream and laughed at something funny in front of his wife, I felt hope. Maybe, little by little, they could find happiness again. In these simple moments, there was a glimmer of hope for a better future.
Charlie suddenly pulled my hand and Nicholas’s at the same time, making us look at each other. “Dad, Mom, I’m so happy today! Can play with Papa and Mama again. Can be like before, okay?”
Charlie’s words made me choke. I looked at him, then at Nicholas, who also looked a little surprised. There was no direct answer from either of us. I could only stroke Charlie’s head gently, while Nicholas sighed softly.
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His eyes lingered on me longer this time, as if wating to make sure I was really sure about the decision The wanted to be polite, maybe even trying to men for the vine that at sappened Burwen’t sure i could sit with him any longer, while my mind was filled with conflicting feelings
“Okay,” he said finally, giving in to my focal. He opened the driver’s door and the egged maide Seite starting the engine, he turned to me again. “If anything happens, call me
I just nodded slightly, not wanting to prolong the conversation Nicholas and sit fe ava stood there, watching until the taillights disappeared around the comer
The night breeze touched my face, bringing with it an emotes that was hard to explain. Even though Sticholas had offered to drive me, I knew it was just out of courtesy, not because be really cared. At lean, that was wat believed.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Tonight, I would go home alone, call Some, that fait better than hoping for things that might never change
I cast my gaze on the deserted street, then opened my phone to call a taxi. As I waited, my thougins de back to Charlie–his smile, his laugh, even his little hug. Those moments seemed to play in my mind, going me warmth in the darkness of the night. And for that, I was grateful
Suddenly, the noise of an approaching car was heard, interupting my reverie. The tax bad been waiting that
I finally arrived. After getting in and giving the address, I stand out the window, wething the city lights spadde Every light seemed like a distant hope, shining but unreachable
On the way, my feelings were mixed between sadness and vague hope. In the beginning, Charlie was always in my heart. He was my son
The car stopped in front of my house, and for a moment I was stunned. This was the end of a journey
only physical but emotional. Before getting out, I took a deep breath. This was the same routine, and sonic,! wanted to achieve something more than just memories.
