“We're home,” informed Zachary softly.
Charlotte didn't react.
Zachary tapped her face lightly to prompt her to open her eyes slowly. She asked groggily, “Are we there yet? Where are the kids?”
“They're waiting for you,” replied Zachary as he helped Charlotte out of the car.
“Mommy!” called out Ellie. Her short legs ran over. She was so excited that she almost knocked Charlotte to the ground.
Fortunately, Zachary was there to steady Charlotte.
She crouched down immediately to pick up Ellie's chubby figure and kiss the girl's soft cheeks.
“Mommy, where have you been? I miss you so much,” said Ellie. Her voice turned thick with tears as soon as her lips parted, and crystal clear teardrops swirled in her eyes.
However, Ellie never let her tears roll down her cheeks because the kids had agreed that they would not cry.
“Mommy missed you too,” said Charlotte while hugging Ellie. The former's heart was heavy with guilt when she apologized, “I'm so sorry. I didn't take care of you.”
“Mommy,” said Robbie. He had run over as well, and his tiny, new boots stomped on the puddle as he hurried over. That caused water from the puddle to splash everywhere.
“Robbie!” called out Charlotte, who opened her arms immediately to hold him.
“Mommy, are you okay?”
Robbie's eyes were reddened with tears. He was quite mature, so he had always presented himself in a tough and calm manner. Yet, he couldn't conceal his weaker side when he saw his mommy there.
“Mommy is fine,” promised Charlotte while hugging Robbie. She kissed his hair and asked, “Robbie, I heard that you had an allergic reaction. How are you feeling?”
“I'm all better now,” replied Robbie. His tiny hand wiped the rain off of Charlotte's face, and he seemed heartbroken to see how pale she looked. He asked, “Mommy, are you sick?”
“It's just a minor issue. I'll be fine,” answered Charlotte.
As she spoke, the nurse pushed Jamie over to them.
“Mommy, mommy!” called out Jamie excitedly from a distance.
“Jamie!” said Charlotte. She rushed over to hug Jamie and ask, “How is your leg? Are you feeling better? When did they take the cast off?”
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