The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 144

"Keen, I'm really sorry. I'm heading for a full check-up and can't stay with you today. But I'll be back tomorrow, okay?"

"Hey Keen, sorry again. I really want to keep you company, but you know how your mom feels about me. If she sees me here, she might not come to visit at all..."

Keen's grandmother and aunt had visited briefly, but the hospital's discomfort drove them away after just two days - never to return. His father? Buried in work, then conveniently called away on 'urgent business.'

In the end, it was Zoey and Maisie from home who took turns looking after him at the hospital.

And his mother... Not a single visit since that day. Not even a phone call to pretend she cared.

Rachel explained that his mom disliked her, and because Keen spent so much time with Rachel, his mom decided not to visit him.

Deep down, Keen knew his mom was upset because he had eaten something he shouldn't have. It was just a little bit, why was she so petty? It was an allergic reaction, just an accident. His mom's change in attitude left Keen feeling angry.

Just then, his kindergarten teacher's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Has everyone got their performance sheets ready?"

The kids responded in unison, "Yes, we're ready!"

The teacher continued, "Now, I will come around to collect everyone's performance sheets. If there are any changes, please submit them by Friday."

The kids' performance pieces were decided with their families and filled out on the sheet.

The teacher would invite professional judges to score them on site.

For children this age, live scoring could be a bit harsh. But this wasn't just any kindergarten; it was a place to nurture young minds and talents.