As soon as Charlene returned to her office, her phone began to buzz.


    It was a call from Jasmine Henderson.


    Remembering the lunch invitation from Thorne in the meeting room earlier, Charlene hesitated and decided not to answer Jasmine''s call.


    Jasmine was persistent, though, calling three times in a row. When Charlene didn''t pick up, Jasmine sent a text instead.


    "Mom, I have a fencingpetition next month. Can youe with me to my training tomorrow?"


    Charlene stared at the message, her grip on the phone tightening for a moment.


    Ever since Thorne took Jasmine to Golnd two years ago, Charlene had missed out on so many aspects of her daughter''s life.


    She wasn''t even sure what courses or extracurricr activities Thorne had arranged for Jasmine. Before she considered divorcing Thorne, she''d tried asking Jasmine about these things, but Jasmine was always tight-lipped.


    If Jasmine hadn''t mentioned it now, Charlene would never have known she was taking fencing lessons, let alone preparing for apetition.


    Realizing how much she''d missed in Jasmine''s life, Charlene sat there, absorbing the weight of it all, her mind adrift.


    Just then, a knock at the door brought her back to the present.


    "Come in," Charlene called out.


    It was Gaylord Hearst, here to discuss work matters.


    Gaylord was always serious about work, and with the weekend just a day away, they wrapped up their conversation quickly. But as their discussion ended, he lingered, remembering the missed opportunities to invite her out.


    "I caught a y a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it," he said casually. "There''s another performance this weekend. Would you like to join me?"


    Charlene thought of Jasmine''s message and shook her head. "I have ns on Saturday, so I''ll have to pass."


    Gaylord looked a bit disappointed. "Oh, alright then..."


    At the same moment, Jasmine, still waiting for a response, sent another message. "Mom, reply to me soon..."


    Seeing the message, Charlene picked up her phone and typed back.


    "Got it. I''lle with you to your training tomorrow morning."


    Realizing she was busy, Gaylord excused himself and left.


    Jasmine, thrilled to see the reply, called Charlene immediately.


    "Mom, you finally have time tomorrow!" Jasmine eximed as soon as Charlene answered.


    "Yeah," Charlene replied.


    Jasmine was bubbling with excitement. "When will you be home tonight?"


    "Mom won''t be home tonight,"


    Charlene said, her eyes glued to her


    directly."


    Jasmine had just gotten home from school. Standing in therge foyer of her house, she looked around at


    few bustling staff members,


    realizing she couldn''t even


    remember thest time she saw Charlene at home.


    Hearing her mom''s words made her feel a bit down, but the thought of her mom being there for her training brightened her spirits. "Okay, I get Dad to send you the details!"


    Charlene paused before replying, "Alright, I''ll be waiting for it."


    She added, "You home now?"


    "Just got in."


    "Good," Charlene said. “I have some work to finish up. Take care of yourself, okay?"


    "I will, Mom. You take care too."


    "Will do."