“Is that her daughter? She really got married!”
“Don’t you think that child looks… familiar? A little like…”
Chloe, hearing the chatter, also cast her gaze towards the mother and daughter a short distance away. Just then, both mother and
daughter called out simultaneously.
“Honey!”
“Daddy!”
One voice was filled with a joyful warmth, the other, a sweet, childish innocence. Everyone present stared, utterly dumbfounded, at my smiling face.
Eleanor’s beauty was striking, often giving off an unapproachable coolness. But now, her eyes were alight with genuine warmth, and she held a tiny, exquisitely doll–like girl in her arms. It was as if a serene goddess had descended to earth, suddenly radiating a vibrant humanity, a warmth that drew you in. A sight so captivating, one could easily lose themselves in it. And that included me, her husband of nearly four years.
She strode towards me, and little Lily, already reaching out, puckered her lips into an adorable pout, her face a mask of aggrieved protest. “Daddy, you broke your promise! You said you and Mommy would pick me up together today, but only Mommy came! Dad- dy, is it because you came back to the city that you don’t love Lily the most anymore?”
I naturally took Lily from Eleanor’s arms, playfully teasing, “Daddy’s favorite person will always be Mommy, sweet pea. You’re a very close second, though!”
Lily’s pout deepened, clearly unconvinced. Beside me, Eleanor’s smile deepened, her voice soft and gentle. “Lily’s been asking for you all day, she insisted I bring her to find you. I hope we haven’t interrupted anything important!”
My ears felt warm at her concern. “Not at all, honey. We were just wrapping up. You two arrived at the perfect moment.” Eleanor’s lips curved into a soft laugh. She reached up, gently brushed a stray strand of hair from my forehead, then took my hand, ready to lead me towards our car. I was just about to take a step when a trembling voice sliced through the air behind us. “Caleb…” Eleanor and I both turned, looking back at the utterly distraught Chloe. “Yes? Still something?”
Chloe opened her mouth, but no words came out. Her face, in the fading light, was paler than the winter snow
peered curiously at Chloe. “Daddy, is that auntie sick? Her face is so white! Just like Lily’s when I’m sick!”
Lily, in my arms,
I was momentarily speechless, unsure how to respond to Lily’s innocent question. At that moment, Eleanor gently took Lily from my arms, her voice soothing. “Lily–bug, how about Aunt Li makes you a special little cake tonight?”
“Yes! Lily wants cake!” Children truly are children. Eleanor’s simple question had completely redirected Lily’s attention.
