With a serious face, Bobby asked, "Mommy, if a kid hits me or Nadia, how can I protect myself and her if I don't fight back?"
Nancy had a hard time answering Bobby's question because what he said was reasonable.
"What mommy meant was you can reason out with the other kid, and explain to him why what he did was wrong. But he if still tries to hit you, defend yourself but don't fight back. For example, if you see Nadia caught up in a fight with other children, pull her away to stop the fight. Also make sure that Nadia doesn't hurt other kids as well. We don't want anyone getting hurt. It's as simple as that," said Nancy who had a hard time explaining.
"Okay, I understand, mommy," Bobby answered with a tone that didn't seem convinced.
Nancy sighed helplessly. She still needed to learn to deal with the children especially with regards to sensitive matters like this. She decided that she should spend more time with them to learn how to handle tough questions like this one.
It was funny how people say that losing weight was a woman's utmost concern. Learning how to educate her children was a more important duty of a woman.
Soon enough, dinner was ready.
"Where is daddy? Hasn’t he come home yet to join us for dinner?" Nadia was wondering about her father's whereabouts.
Nancy glanced at the clock in the dining room. It was already eight in the evening.
Charles said he would be home late tonight. That meant he was having dinner somewhere else.
"Daddy won't be back in time for dinner. We should start eating now." As she took off her apron, Nancy ordered, "Get the bowls and chopsticks and place them on the table."
"I'll do it! I'm a good child who likes to help around the house." Nadia ran into the kitchen with glee.
"Daddy is not yet home. I'm not used to having dinner without him," Bobby grumbled. He seemed very upset.
Nancy sat next to Bobby. She had been so busy with work lately that she barely had time to take care of the kids. Charles took over all the household responsibilities like cooking and even washing clothes. To be able to do it all, he had to cancel his social engagements and other personal activities. Nancy gained a new perspective and appreciated Charles efforts.
She was not an inconsiderate and unappreciative person. A pang of guilt washed over her.
He had been so busy attending to the kids' needs lately. She was glad that he got to spend some time out tonight.
Men also needed to have a life beyond their wives and children. They also had careers and other personal interests.
Nancy was a very work-oriented person. She needed a partner who also valued his career.
If a man didn't have a career of his own, he would feel like there was something missing in his life.
"Kids, take a shower after dinner. Daddy will be home later," Nancy instructed their children, pretending to be relaxed, as she poured porridge over their bowls.
"Okay, mommy," Nadia answered after swallowing a spoonful of porridge.
Bobby, on the other hand, did not say word. He still seemed gloomy.
Nancy washed the dishes after dinner. She then spent some quality time building blocks with their two children.
By ten o'clock, Nadia began to feel sluggish and sleepy.
She rubbed her eyes and said, "Mommy, it's already late. Why hasn't daddy come home yet?"
"He would arrive anytime soon," Nancy tried to reassure her children.
"Where did daddy go? Why won't you tell us? Is there anything more important to daddy than we are?" Since Nadia revealed Bobby's secret, the little boy had been upset.
"Mommy is with you. Why do you keep on looking for daddy?" Nancy asked curiously.
"Because I am used to having daddy around unlike you who is always busy with work," Nadia said in a somber voice.
Nancy's heart sank.
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