When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 108

So her mom actually liked someone else’s kid more than her? The thought hit Carrie hard. Her eyes filled with tears right away.

Sheila hurried to cheer her up, holding out the slip of paper with their topic. “Look, it’s cats.”

“I’ve taught you this one. We’re great at it. When we win first place, your mom and that other little girl will be so jealous!” Sheila’s encouragement finally coaxed a smile out of Carrie. Of course. With her and Ms. Olson as a team, first place was basically guaranteed.

Meanwhile, Nelly and April had drawn the topic Childhood. Nelly gently asked April what came to mind. April mentioned three people: her brother, her mom, and herself. She talked about being alone in her little room, while her mom was always by her brother’s side. But April knew that her brother was sick, so her mom needed to take care of him. April did what she could, going to checkups, staying ready in case her brother needed her. Still, she was secretly terrified of hospitals. She was scared that one day she’d have to take her brother’s place in that hospital bed. She didn’t want to go to the hospital ever again.

Nelly’s expression grew serious. April didn’t explain everything clearly, but Nelly started to put the pieces together. The idea was so upsetting that she hoped she was just imagining things.

There wasn’t much time left, so Nelly and April quickly decided what to draw. April hadn’t really learned to draw before. Her lines were wobbly and awkward. She had all kinds of ideas but couldn’t get them onto the page. She soon got frustrated, dropped her pencil, and sulked.

Nelly noticed right away. “It’s okay. Drawing is all about expressing yourself.” She took April’s tiny hand, guiding her grip and tracing over the messy lines together. Suddenly, a few lively drawings started to appear on the paper.

April’s eyes sparkled. Nelly was so talented!

“Every line starts out shaky before it gets smooth. No one is perfect right away. There’s something special about beginner’s lines, just like there’s beauty in smooth ones too.”

April nodded, and after being guided for a while, she started to get the hang of it. She was smart, and before long, she was copying Nelly’s moves pretty well.

“You’re learning so fast. That’s awesome.” Nelly didn’t hold back on the praise.

April grinned, knowing deep down it was Nelly who was amazing. She could break down complicated pictures into the simplest steps, better than any teacher April had ever seen.

Soon, the judges called time. Since Carrie and Sheila had finished early, they were among the first to present. Their painting really was impressive, looking more like a professional sketch than something a kid would make. The audience gasped and started whispering in admiration.

Basking in the praise, Carrie deliberately looked over at Nelly’s table. Nelly, though, was just chatting and laughing with April, not paying any attention to the stage. What could possibly matter more than her own daughter’s competition?

Of course, Nelly had seen Carrie’s painting. Sheila had taught her well, the style was very grown-up. But for Nelly, today she was only April’s “mom.” Carrie hadn’t come say hi, and since she was with Sheila, Nelly didn’t feel the need to get involved. It was easier to just act like she hadn’t seen anything.

Carrie stomped off the stage, still in a bad mood. The moment she sat down, a deep and calm voice spoke up next to her.

“Your painting was amazing, everyone loved it. Why do you still look so upset?”

Brody had arrived. Even though he was busy, he’d made it just in time for the end of the competition. The first thing he saw was his daughter’s disappointed face.