63
My mother–in–law nodded slowly, but her eyes still radiated the same determination. “And you are right to think that. You are his mother, Hazel. No one can replace that. Sabrina has no rights over Charlie.”
1 slammed the glass down on the table, the sound ringing in the room. “Then we have to stop this, Mom. We can’t let Sabrina keep being around Charlle. She’ll just ruin our relationship.”
Mom smiled slightly, but there was a sharp tone in her voice when she spoke. “Don’t worry, Hazel. I’m on your side. We’ll make sure that woman can’t get near Charlie anymore.”
I looked at her, feeling a spark of confidence beginning to grow within me. Mom’s support made me feel stronger, more ready to face Sabrina.
But just then, Charlie’s crying echoed from upstairs again. His sobs of sorrow weighed heavily on my heart, even though I knew I was doing this for his sake.
His pain reminded me of how important my presence was in his life. I needed to explain everything to him and provide the support he needed.
My mother–in–law turned toward the crying, her face hardening. “I will talk to him later,” she said firmly. “He needs to know who truly cares for him. You are his mother, Hazel, and he needs to appreciate that.”
I nodded, though a hint of guilt lingered in the corner of my heart. But I quickly brushed it aside. This wasn’t the time to feel weak. I had to be firm, strong, for Charlie.
With slow steps, my mother–in–law left the kitchen, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I gazed out the window, clutching my glass of water tightly. Deep down, I knew one thing for sure: I wouldn’t let Sabrina take my place in Charlie’s heart. No matter what I had to do, I would protect my child from her influence.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself. I didn’t care what Sabrina thought or what Nicholas would say. Charlie was mine, and I wouldn’t let anyone take him away from me.
That sense of conviction flowed through me, erasing any doubts. I would fight for him, facing every challenge that might arise. Nothing was more important to me than protecting Charlie and ensuring he knew how much I loved him.
I stood at Charlie’s bedroom door with a lunch tray in my hand. My heart was still filled with anger from his incessant crying since morning. I knew this wasn’t good for him, but I couldn’t ignore the frustration gnawing at
- me.
How could my own child keep calling that woman’s name? Sabrina, Sabrina, Sabrina. As if I were nobody in his life
The pain pierced me, and I felt trapped in confusion. I wanted Charlie to know that I was his mother, always there for him. Taking a deep breath, I resolved to go in and talk to him, even though my feelings were still mixed. I was the one who needed to explain everything and remind Charlie how much I loved him.
I took a deep breath before knocking on the bedroom door. “Charlie, it’s Mommy. I brought lunch. Open the door.” I tried to soften my voice, calming myself.
There was no answer, just a small whimper from inside. My jaw tightened. I knocked harder, losing patience. Charlie, open the door now! You need to eat!”
#25 BONUS
Uncertainty and worry began to envelop my thoughts. I know he needed attention and affection, but this frustration made it hard for me to remain calm. I just wanted to make sure he knew I was there for him, even if he might feel confused right now.
Still no answer. I finally opened the door myself. Inside the room, Charlie sat in the corner of the bed, his face red and wet with tears. He didn’t even turn toward me as I entered.
Seeing him like that made my heart ache. It felt as if all the anger swirling inside me suddenly vanished, replaced by pain and worry.
1 tried to calm myself, wanting to provide the comfort he needed. However, as I looked at him so crushed, it was very hard to hold back my emotions. I wanted to hug him, but I also knew he might need time to process everything.
“Charlie,” I called again, this time with a firmer tone. “You need to eat. I don’t want you to get sick.”
He looked up at me with tear–filled eyes. “I want Mommy Sabrina,” he whispered softly, almost like a sigh. Those words hit me like a hard slap to the face.
The pain pierced my heart, bringing deep anguish. How could my child, who should feel safe and loved, choose someone else over me? I tried to hold back the tears, struggling to stay strong.
I attempted to compose myself, placing the lunch tray on the small table near his bed. “Charlie, enough. Sabrina isn’t here. Mommy is here. So, eat.”
He shook his head vigorously, kicking at the air like a stubborn child. “I don’t want to! I want Mommy Sabrina!” His cries broke out again, louder this time.
Seeing his in such deep sadness made my heart ache. Frustration and sorrow mixed, but I knew I had to stay strong. I wanted Charlie to know that I was his mother, always there for her. Yet, at that moment, all words seemed inadequate to comfort him.
I wished I could hug him and erase all his pain, but I knew it wouldn’t be easy.
My blood boiled. “Charlie, stop it right now!” I nearly shouted. “Stop saying her name! I am your mother! Do you understand?!“*
But he didn’t care. He kept crying, repeatedly calling that woman’s name. The anger I had bottled up since morning finally reached its peak. In a moment of blind rage I moved closer and grabbed his arm. “Charlie, be quiet!”
That action immediately snapped me back to reality. The pain in his eyes and his relentless sobbing filled me with guilt. I knew I needed to control my emotions. He was my child, struggling with confusion and loss.
