When Anastasia found out Herman had been ying her for a fool all the sweet memories of the past seemed like a big joke to her. She had been an open book to him, but he had been on guard against her all along


    The deception left her heartbroken and confused. She didn''ttch onto Herman for his house, but as his wife, she deserved to know the truth. The more she thought about it the more upset she became And just as she was about to head home, something caught her dress


    Looking down, Anastasia discovered a little girl hiding under the bench. That little girl was Patte


    Pattie shyly looked at Anastasia, clutching tightly onto her dress


    Anastasia squatted down and asked, "Why are you hiding here, kiddo? Come out, you might bump your head"


    Pattie didn''t budge, shaking her head and staying mute. Unsure of what to do, Anastasia asked, "Are you ying hide and seek with other kids, sweetie?"


    Pattie shook her head again, and just silently stared at Anastasia


    Seeing Pattie''s eyes, Anastasia felt a deep sense of familiarity. "Could you tell me your name sweetie, and where you live? Can I walk you home?"


    At the mention of going home, Pattie reacted strongly, shaking her head and gripping Anastasia''s dress even tighter


    Seeing Pattie''s silence, Anastasia began to wonder if Pattie was mute. She looked around, but there was no one else in sight. Anastasia had no idea where this child came from.


    Then, Pattie crawled out from under the bench, her big eyes fixated on Anastasia, one hand tightly holding Anastasia, the other on her stomach


    At first, Anastasia didn''t understand what she meant, until she heard Pattie''s stomach grow! "Are you hungry, sweetie?"


    Pattie nodded. She hadn''t eaten sincest night and was running on an empty stomach


    Seeing Pattie''s pitiful eyes. Anastasia''s heart broke Suddenly, she said, "How about youe home with me, and I''ll cook you something yummy7"


    Pattie nodded, tightly hugging Anastasia. Anastasia smiled, tousling Pattie''s hair, and then took her home


    This child must''ve been from the neighborhood.


    While Pattie wasn''t looking. Anastasia snapped a photo of her and posted it in the homeowners'' group chat, asking if anyone had lost their child. After sending the message, Anastasia turned on the TV for Pattie to watch as she went to make pancakes in the kitchen. Every now and then, Anastasia would nce over at the living room from the kitchen.


    Pattie sat quietly watching TV, without speaking orughing, far from the lively behavior of kids her age. Anastasia realized there might''ve been something wrong with this child. She looked so pitiful


    When the pancakes were ready, Anastasia brought them to the living room. The smell made Pattie slide off the couch, crawl onto the dining table, and start eating rapidly


    Anastasia quickly reminded her, "Slow down, kiddo, don''t burn yourself."


    Pattie seemed unaffected, eating quickly even if it was too hot. It was like she hadn''t eaten for a long time. Scared that someone might take her food, Pattie ate in a rush. Anastasia quickly poured her a ss of water. "What''s your name, sweetie?" Anastasia asked, her heart aching at the sight of the poor child.


    Pattie had delicate features and was bound to be a beauty when she grew up. She was just too thin and looked malnourished.


    Having eaten her fill, Pattie rubbed her belly contentedly. She was very attached to Anastasia and climbed onto herp.


    Anastasia was puzzled, and just as she was trying to understand what Pattie meant, she heard a soft voice say. "Mommy. I''m sleepy"


    Hearing the word "Mommy" a special feeling stirred within Anastasia.


    Looking down at Pattie, who was curled up in herp like a pitiful kitten, Anastasia instinctively held her tighter and whispered, "Then have a good sleep.