53
“Can I join the game?” Nicholas asked excitedly.
Charlie immediately exclaimed, “Dackly always loses when he plays with me!”
Nicholas chuckled, raising both hands as if to surrender. “Alright, I’ll just be a spectator,” he said, but he continued to look at both of us with a gentle expression.
I smiled at the interaction between Nicholas and Charlie. I could feel the joy flowing between them.
“Don’t worry, Nicholas. You can learn from us,” I teased. “And who knows, maybe you can defeat Charlie next time!”
Charlie laughed, “Yeah, Daddy! We can practice together later!”
Nicholas nodded, his eyes sparkling. “Okay, I’ll be a good spectator. But you both have to give me tips if I want to join later!”
I felt warm inside. Watching them have fun made the day feel brighter. “Alright, ready! Let’s start this game!” I said, preparing to play.
Soon, the tow truck finally arrived. Nicholas spoke with the technician while Charlie and I stepped out of the car to stretch our legs a bit. The cool evening breeze touched my face, making me feel a little more relaxed.
After the car was loaded onto the tow truck, we had to find a taxi to go home. Nicholas made sure Charlie and I were comfortable before joining us in the front seat. The taxi ride home felt different, but I was relieved that we were all still together.
Inside the taxi, the atmosphere felt warm even though the weather was getting colder. I sat next to Charlie, who seemed engrossed in looking out the window, while Nicholas chatted with the driver up front. The sound of the taxi’s engine and the roar of the wind outside provided a calming backdrop.
“This could be a fun experience too, right?” Charlie said enthusiastically. “Our car got towed, but we can still be together!”
Nicholas nodded in agreement. “The important thing is that we’re safe and can get home.”
I smiled at them. This togetherness made me feel better. “Yes, and we can plan our next adventure. How about we try going to the park next weekend?”
Charlie jumped with excitement. “Agreed! We can have a picnic!”
Nicholas turned around, his face bright. “That sounds fun. We should start planning everything!
The journey felt short, and when the taxi stopped in front of the house, I felt grateful.
Even though the day ended with a small incident, moments like this taught me to appreciate our togetherness, r matter the situation. Nothing is perfect, but Charlie’s smile and Nicholas’s presence made everything feel lighter. When the taxi stopped in front of Hazel’s apartment, I could sense the tension hanging in the air. Charlie had fallen asleep on my lap during the ride, his innocent and peaceful face making me reluctant to wake him. Nicholas got out first, opening the taxi door for me. Carefully, I handed Charlie’s small body to Nicholas’s arms.
“Hazel’s been waiting inside,” Nicholas said in a low voice
I nodded, remaining silent as I stepped out of the taxi. Just a few steps to the apartment entrance, Hazel appeared
in front of us, het fare filled with anger feould feel the son approarting
Hazel stood at the threshold, her expression showing deeperem “Where have you been? I’ve been waiting Her voice toe, creating tension in the air
Nicholas, still holding Charlie, tried to explain. “We had alle trouble with the car, but everything is fine now”
“the
“A little trouble?” Hazel responded skeptically. “Do you know how worried I am? I don’t like it when you and Charlie are in dangerous situations!”
I could feel my heart racing “Hazel, we’re fine. Nicholes took good care of Charlie. We just needed a little time to
However, Hazel seemed impatient. “You should have been more careful! It’s not just about the two of you, but also about Charlie!”
Nicholas sighed, trying to remain calm. “We understand, and I’m sorry if we worried you. But we’re safe, and that’s what matters.”
Charlie began to wake up, rubbing his eyes and looking at Hazel. “Mom, are we home?” he asked sleepily.
Seeing Charlie’s confusion, Hazel softened immediately. “Yes, dear. We’re home,” she replied, her tone starting
to soften.
Thoped this moment would case the tension. “Let’s go inside and talk calmly,” I suggested, trying to create a more peaceful atmosphere.
“I’ll take him to his room,” Nicholas said.
Hazel looked unsatisfied with that answer, but she approached Nicholas and took Charlie from his arms. “I’ll take care of him,” she said coldly, turning to walk into the apartment.
I didn’t say anything, just stood there with my hands tightly clasped together. However, Hazel came back, and this time the anger on her face was more evident. Without warning, she stepped closer and slapped me hard across the
face.
The sudden pain shocked me. I held my cheek, confused and stunned. The atmosphere around us felt tense, and I could feel my heart racing.
Nicholas stepped forward, his face showing anger and concem. He tried to calm the situation, but Hazel seemed trapped in her emotions.
With a furious glare, Hazel turned and ignored us, walking back into the apartment. I stood outside, feeling uncertainty and sadness.
Nicholas stood beside me. We both knew that this situation wouldn’t be easy, and the pent–up feelings were still troubling us.
Every second felt heavy, and I wished I could find a way to resolve this conflict without hurting each other further. “Hazel!” Nicholas shouted, shocked and angry. He moved in front of me, trying to block Hazel, but she had already unleashed a torrent of angry words.
“Who do you think you are?!” Hazel yelled. “Charlie ran away from home because of you! You never stop trying to take my child away from me!”
1 held my breath, my hand slowly touching my cheek, which still felt hot from the slap. My heart raced, but I tried to calm myself.
