“Mommy, you’ve lost weight,” said Ellie while cupping Charlotte’s face. “Did you lose your appetite because I’m not around?”
“Yes. But I will have a good appetite now since you’re back.”
Charlotte kissed her daughter’s chubby face. The woman had watery eyes though her lips were being curled into a gentle smile.
“Mommy, Mrs. Berry has made some fresh hot cross bunnies. I’ll go get you some.” With that, Jamie ran toward the kitchen.
Seeing that, Charlotte asked, “Has your leg recovered, Jamie?”
Robbie was quick to answer then, “Yes, Jamie has long recovered. His leg is now as good as new. Mommy, I helped Daddy develop a new software. He told me he will register a patent for me and name the software after my name.”
“Robbie, you’re amazing!” Overjoyed, Charlotte pulled the boy into her arms. “I am very proud of you!”
“Mommy…” In her arms, Robbie’s eyes reddened. “Can you not leave us anymore? We were scared that you were not going to come back.”
“Yeah. We actually planned on running away from home to find you at the hospital…” Ellie quickly covered her mouth. She regretted her words the moment they emerged.
“Running away! Running away from home!” Fifi repeated after Ellie while flapping its wings, flying above Charlotte’s head.
Charlotte was shocked. “Running away from home? Don’t you guys ever think of doing something like that! I’m only staying in the hospital for treatment. See, now I’m back!”
“We can keep you company and take care of you while you receive your treatment.” With his brows knitted, Robbie added sadly, “You’re gone for a month, and we missed you so much!”
“Mommy, you promised you will never leave us!” Ellie pouted, and she almost broke into tears. “You broke your promise!”
“I…” Charlotte didn’t know how she could explain to her kids.
“Mommy, here comes the hot cross bunnies!”
Jamie appeared just in time. The boy trotted toward them while holding a plate of hot cross bunnies.
“Hot cross bunnies! Hot cross bunnies!” Fifi flew toward Jamie the moment it saw the food he was holding.
“Fifi, stop! Let Mommy eat first.” Jamie shooed Fifi away and then brought Charlotte the hot cross bunnies. “Mommy, you should eat more!”
“Thanks, Jamie.” Charlotte caressed the boy’s head affectionately before she enjoyed the food with the little ones.
Meanwhile, Henry couldn’t help furrowing his brows. Although he had long known that the kids shared a strong bond with their mother, still, he couldn’t help feeling touched seeing their loving interaction.
To prevent himself from going soft, Henry retrieved his gaze and signaled Spencer to wheel him out.
“Grandpa, are you leaving?” Zachary came up to him. “Why don’t you stay and have dinner with us?”
Henry pulled a long face at that. Without even sparing a glance at Zachary, he said coldly, “I’m leaving now.”
“Great-grandpa is leaving. Go, walk him to the door,” Charlotte reminded the kids.
“Great-grandpa, you’re leaving now?”
The kids immediately rushed up to Henry to persuade him to stay.
Holding Henry’s hand, Ellie gave her great-grandpa the puppy eyes. “Great-grandpa, don’t leave just yet. Stay and have dinner with us.”
The little girl’s sweet voice could melt anyone’s heart.
Instantly, Henry’s expression softened as he plastered a genial smile on his face. “Ellie, I’m going home now. I’ll bring you little ones to eat out next time.”
Ellie swayed his hand from side to side. “But I want you to stay…”
Jamie, too, coaxed him into staying, ”Great-grandpa, have dinner with us. Mrs. Berry cooks delicious food.” Then, he did a few straight punches and said, “After dinner, you can play with us in the garden. My leg has recovered, and I can show you some martial arts techniques.”
Then, Robbie held Henry’s other hand while he reminded, “Great-grandpa, didn’t you say you want to have a look at my new software? I can show you after dinner.”
