The night before returning to Highside, Leanna sat in the room as she slowly packed the luggage.
The little guy sat on the rug, focused on playing with the toy in his hands.
A while later, Naomi walked in. "Leanna, are you still awake?"
Leanna looked up at her. "Yes, I wanted to pack these things first. When we leave tomorrow, it'll be easier for you to move them."
Naomi sat down next to her. "Don't worry, I'll take care of the little guy until he goes back to Highside. I guarantee that the next time you see him, he'll be a plump and healthy kid."
Leanna smiled. She knew Naomi was comforting her.
She set aside the things in her hand, then leaned on Naomi's shoulder. She hugged the latter's arm as she said softly, "Mom, I'm fine. I'm already used to being apart like this. Moreover, every farewell is made for the next meeting. It's exactly because of this that even farewells are meaningful now."
Naomi patted her hand. "You won't have to wait too long this time. You will never be separated from each other after this."
Leanna nodded, then asked, "What about you? When are you going back to Highside?"
When Naomi heard that, she raised her head and looked in front, staying silent for a while.
Even she didn't know the answer to that question.
Leanna continued, "Mom, even though I don't know what things were like in the past, nor do I know how to comfort you, it has already happened. What we can do right now is to do our best to make up for it. If we keep getting hung up on the rights and wrongs in the past, we'll only feel worse."
Naomi sighed and said in a melancholic voice, "I was too stubborn back then. If I had listened to him, things wouldn't have turned out like this."
"From the very few words they spoke, I can feel that Aidan's grandfather never blamed you. He just wished you could live a happier life despite being in a place where he couldn't see you."
Naomi smiled lightly and held Leanna's hand, not speaking.
As Leanna looked at the little guy in front of her, she said in a small voice, "Most parents wish that their children would be happy and lead blissful lives. They're willing to sacrifice everything for that purpose."
Naomi suddenly said, "I always see you whispering something to Waylen these days. Is there a change in the little guy's condition?"
Leanna shook her head. "No, he's fine. There's no problem at all."
Naomi was still worried. "Leanna, don't keep all your problems to yourself. Talk to Aidan more. He's your husband and your shield, so if there's anything you can't solve, you can leave it to him."
Leanna smiled. "I got it. Thanks, Mom."
Before Naomi left, she gave Leanna a little envelope she made herself. She placed it in Leanna's hands and said, "I don't like shopping, so I don't know what you like. Take this and use the money inside to buy whatever you like."
Leanna was stunned. "It's okay, I—"
"Don't decline. You call me 'Mom' now, so it's only natural for me to give you this." Naomi continued, "This is a rule. You have no reason to decline."
When Leanna heard that, she smiled lightly. "Thank you, Mom."
Even though this was her second time getting her marriage certificate with Aidan, Leanna felt as though it was her first time experiencing everything during the second round of marriage.
Everything before that felt like a dream.
Naomi said, "Rest early."
"Okay."
Leanna saw her off at the entrance, then turned around and came back to continue packing.
When Aidan returned, Leanna had just bathed the little guy. Leanna said to Aidan, "Pass me the towel on the bed."
Aidan sounded a response, then took the towel. He noticed the envelope at the side, so he took it and walked over to Leanna, passing the towel to her as he raised the envelope, asking, "What is this?"
Leanna turned to glance at it. "It's from Mom."
Aidan raised his dark eyebrows. "Shall I open it for you?"
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