When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 209

“Okay.”

Nelly smiled and gently lifted the corners of Carrie’s mouth with her fingertips, coaxing a little smile out of her daughter. She only turned to leave after she watched Carrie head into her classroom.

As soon as Nelly was gone, Carrie’s small shoulders drooped. The thought of not seeing her mom again tonight made her sigh quietly.

“Now, let me see… Who’s making our little princess look so down today?”

A familiar woman’s voice drifted into Carrie’s ears.

Her eyelids twitched. She looked up and found Sheila floating toward her from outside the classroom.

Sheila had actually been waiting at the kindergarten for a while. She’d seen the whole scene of Carrie and Nelly reluctantly saying goodbye from a quiet spot in the corner. It surprised her to see how close they’d become in such a short time apart.

But they were mother and daughter. That kind of bond was natural.

Sheila felt calm about it. She watched Nelly leave, then when she turned to Carrie, her smile was warm and inviting.

“Ms. Olson…”

Carrie really was happy to see Sheila, though guilt crept in almost right away. She quickly dropped her head and mumbled, “Why are you here?”

“I came to see you, of course. It’s been days since we last hung out. Did you miss me?”

Sheila crouched down and spoke to her in a gentle voice. Even her perfume was sweet. Whenever Carrie was with her, she always felt happier.

“Mmm.” Carrie nodded.

Sheila felt more like a big sister or a playmate than a grown-up. Sometimes, Carrie thought of her during the week. But right now, all she wanted was for her mom to come back home, so there hadn’t been much room in her heart for anyone else.

“You fibber.” Sheila put on a pout, her voice still soft as she playfully pinched Carrie’s nose. “Now that you have your mom, you’ve forgotten all about me, huh?”

Carrie stayed quiet, so Sheila pulled out the little surprises she’d brought.

There was a slice of Carrie’s favorite cake and a tiny handmade gift—a mini comic book Sheila had drawn just for her.

“Happy Children’s Day, Carrie.”

Sheila held out the gifts. Carrie hesitated, not reaching for them.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you like them?” Sheila’s patience was endless.

Carrie shook her head. She loved Sheila’s comics, and she really wanted that cake.

But…

Carrie hesitated, then nodded. “I’m sorry, Ms. Olson.”

“You don’t have to apologize. None of this is your fault.” Sheila smiled and pulled Carrie into a hug, rubbing her back in soothing circles.

Carrie hadn’t felt much at first, but Sheila’s hug made her eyes sting. Suddenly, she felt really sad.

“But can I ask you something, Carrie? If it wasn’t because of your mom, would you still want to play with me?” Sheila asked softly.

This time, Carrie answered right away. “Yes!”

“Carrie, you know I really like you too. Even if I’m not with your dad, I still want to teach you drawing, play games, eat yummy food together—just like before. I want to be your best friend.”

Sheila’s gentle words made Carrie’s heart ache with longing. Her eyes turned red, but she didn’t say anything.

“Carrie.”

Suddenly, Sheila seemed to think of something. She held Carrie by the shoulders so they were face to face.

“What if I told you there’s a way for us to keep playing together, and your mom wouldn’t get mad? Would you want that?”

Carrie’s feelings swirled. She saw the hopeful shine in Sheila’s eyes and nodded without a second thought.