56
Sabrina’s POV
Nicholas observed my face for a moment, as if trying to read my thoughts. “You’re thinking about Charlie, aren’t you?”
or
His question pierced my heart. I nodded slowly, lowering my head to hide the tears that were beginning to well up.
“I miss him, Nicholas,” I whispered softly. “I don’t know when I’ll see him again. He must be confused…
Sad
Nicholas pulled his chair closer and gently touched my hang. “Charlie is fine, Sabrina. I’ll make sure he knows you love him. And I’ll find a way for you two to meet again.”
I lifted my gaze, looking into his eyes filled with certainty. But Hazel… she surely won’t allow it. I don’t want to make things worse.”
”
Nicholas sighed deeply, then held my hand tighter. “I know this is hard. But I won’t let Hazel keep Charlie away from you. You are a part of his life, Sabrina. That can’t be changed.”
I wanted to believe his words, to hang my hopes on that promise, but reality was never that simple. The fear of the consequences of our actions made me hesitant. “Thank you Nicholas,” I said softly, though doubt lingered in my heart.
He nodded, as if aware of the uncertainty surrounding my feelings. “We will find a way, I promise. The important thing is that we don’t give up. Charlie needs both of us.”
I contemplated his words, trying to rebuild my strength to face what lay ahead. This moment, although filled with challenges, hinted that there was still hope behind all the difficulties. Perhaps, with his support, I could find a way to fight for Charlie without losing myself.
Nicholas stood up, straightening his suit. “I have to go to the office now. If anything comes up, don’t hesitate to call me, okay?”
I nodded, forcing a smile so he wouldn’t worry. “Drive safely!”
He looked at me for a moment before returning my smile. “Take care of yourself, Sabrina!”
After the apartment door closed behind him, silence enveloped the room again. I sighed deeply, staring at my now cold tea. The longing did not diminish; if anything, it felt even more suffocating.
I knew I had to stay strong for Charlie, for myself. But for now, I could only let my tears flow, accompanying the prayers I whispered for everything to get better.
I took a deep breath, trying to control my overflowing emotions. Charlie meant everything to me, and the distance that now separated us felt like an unbridgeable chasm. I imagined his tiny face, the sound of his joyful laughter, and the innocent look in his eyes as he hugged me tightly.
My hand unconsciously reached for the phone lying on the table. I desperately wanted to hear his voice, to ensure he was okay, but I knew that wasn’t possible right now. Hazel would surely get angry again, and I didn’t want to complicate things further.
I wiped the tears that started to flow down my cheek, trying to strengthen myself. “Stay strong, Sabrina,” whispered to myself. “For Charlie.”
ΡΙ
My gaze shifted to the outside world. The sunlight filtering through the curtains felt a bit warming to my heart. I decided to get up from the chair and make breakfast, even without an appetite.
As I stood in the kitchen, the sounds of memories with Charlie filled my mind. His laughter when we made
+25 BONUS
pancakes together or when he asked me to feed him with such charm. Those memories made me smile, even though the ache still lingered.
I knew that as long as there was hope, I had to keep moving forward. Charlie was my reason to endure, and even though the path felt heavy, I believed Nicholas would keep his promise.
With that thought, I began to plan my day. Today, I needed to keep my body healthy and my mind positive. For Charlie. For our future. Because a mother’s love knows no bounds, and I would keep fighting for him.
After breakfast, I cleared the table and washed the dishes. Thoughts of Charlie kept coming, imagining how he was now. Was he playing? Was he smiling? Or was he crying because he missed me? I shook my head, trying to dispel those painful thoughts.
I walked slowly to the living room. I sat on the sofa, reaching for a book left on the table. But even reading felt difficult. All I could see was the image of Charlie hugging me tightly the last time we were together.
Suddenly, my phone rang. My heart raced as I saw Nicholas’s name appear on the screen. I quickly answered, Hello?”
“How are you?” His voice sounded calm, but there was a note of concern there.
“I’m fine,” I replied softly. “Just… thinking about Charlie a little.”
He was silent for a moment before finally saying, “I know. I’m thinking about him too.”
I could feel the sincerity in his voice, and it provided a bit of comfort.
“I’ll try to talk to Hazel again later. But don’t worry. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you can see Charlie.” “Thank you, Nicholas.” My voice was almost a whisper, filled with gratitude.
“Have you eaten?” he suddenly asked, changing the topic.
I smiled faintly, even though he couldn’t see it. “I did. I’m trying to take care of myself, like you said.”
“Good,” he replied briefly, but I could sense his relief. “I’ll come home early later. If you need anything, let me
know.”
After the call ended, I felt a little lighter. There was a small hope beginning to grow in my heart, even though Hazel’s shadow still haunted my thoughts.
The morning light streamed through the window, illuminating the kitchen with a warm glow. I took a deep breath, trying to focus on the positives. Nicholas’s support meant the world to me, and the thought of Charlie’s smile brought a flicker of joy amidst the uncertainty.
As I sipped my tea, I began to plan my day. I would reach out to Hazel, not with confrontation, but with a willingness to communicate. Perhaps that could be the first step toward finding common ground for Charlie’s sake.
