15:40
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Rosita let go of Irwin and walked over to the sofa, her arms full of gifts.
“These are all from me, sweetheart. Take a look–see if there’s anything you like?”
Irwin’s eyes sparkled. “It’s Iron Man!”
“Do you like it?” Rosita ruffled his hair, her voice warm. “This is a limited edition, you know. I had to ask several friends for help before I finally managed to get it.”
“Thank you, Mom!” Irwin’s clear, bright voice echoed through the house. “You’re the best!”
Rosita finally burst into a smile through her tears. “Honey, you finally called me Mom.”
“Dad just talked to me,” Irwin said, carefully setting Iron Man aside. He grabbed a tissue and dabbed at Rosita’s tears, his small hands gentle. “He told me you went through a lot to bring me into the world. I’m sorry I was mean to you this morning. I won’t ever treat you like that again.”
At his words, Rosita’s tears flowed even harder. She looked more fragile and moved than ever.
“No, sweetheart, you didn’t do anything wrong–it was me. I promise I’ll do my very best to be a good mom from now on.”
“You’re not bad at all!” Irwin threw his arms around her. “Dad said you always loved me, and I’ll love you just as much!”
Rosita glanced at Stewart, her eyes brimming. “Thank you, Stewart.”
Stewart came over and handed her his handkerchief. “It’s the least I can do. Don’t cry, or Irwin will be sad.”
“That’s right, Mom! You’re so pretty–if you cry, you’ll get all puffy and not look as nice!” Irwin chimed in, utterly sincere.
Rosita took
handkerchief and wiped her tears, finally managing a smile. “Alright, I won’t cry.”
Mother and son, finally reunited. The room was filled with warmth and sweetness.
Irwin happily sat on the sofa, surrounded by gifts, playing with his new treasures.
Rosita watched him with soft, gentle eyes from nearby.
Stewart sat in an armchair, head lowered as he dealt with work emails on his phone.
After a while, Rosita glanced his way, hesitating before speaking softly. “What are you going to do about Ms. Kensington?”
At her words, Stewart looked up, his expression unreadable. “I’ll handle it.”
“She’s taken such good care of Irwin all these years. Honestly, I can’t help but feel guilty toward her.”
“This isn’t your fault,” Stewart replied in a low voice. “Irwin has always been your child.”
“Exactly, Mom!” Irwin piped up from his mountain of toys, his words sweet as honey. “You’re the one who gave birth to me. Of course we should be together! And you’re so pretty–Dad says I’m this cute because I take after you!”
“You little flatterer!” Rosita tapped his nose, grinning. “Just don’t say that in front of your Mom Bryn–she might get jealous.”
“She’d never get mad at me!” Irwin said, full of confidence. “She loves me too much.”
Just then, Stewart’s phone rang–a work call.
He stood up. “I need to head back to the office.”
“Alright, don’t worry about us–Irwin will keep me company.” Rosita paused. “Will you be back for dinner?”
1/2
Chapter 7
He hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “I’ll come home as soon as I finish.”
“Drive safe.”
“Bye, Dad!” Irwin waved.
Stewart gave a faint smile, nodded, and left.
Late at night, the restoration studio was still lit.
Briony’s waist–length hair was pinned up with a clip, exposing her slender, graceful neck. Protective glasses perched on her nose, and she wore white gloves as she worked.
She was bent over, utterly focused, making the final touches to an artifact.
Everyone else had already gone home. The building was quiet, and the only sounds came from Briony’s careful movements.
The more disappointing life became, the more she poured herself into her work–she couldn’t afford to let her guard down.
