"Happy New Year, Mom!"


    M''s expression softened as she listened to her son''s cheerful voice on the other end of the line.


    She had initially thought Adrian wouldn''te to visit for the New Year. The gifts she had prepared-like toy gold bars and jade trinkets-remained unsent. Instead, she had transferred $10,000 to his ount on New Year''s Day as a gift. Although his call came a bitte, he had at least called to wish her a happy New Year.


    With a warm tone, M inquired about Adrian''s recent activities, patiently listening as he shared amusing stories from the past few days.


    After a short conversation, Adrian suddenly said, "Mom, Dad told me you''re busy and can''te home for the New Year. Are you done now? I miss you. Can youe home today to y with me?"


    M felt a tug at her heart.


    Having recently saved a child, her emotions were already stirred, and she did long to see Adrian. However, she was still recovering from injuries in the hospital and couldn''t visit.


    "Adrian, Mom''s not done yet. I''lle to see you in a few days. Let your dad..." M hesitated, gently turning down his request.


    Adrian was upset.


    He truly missed his mom, and with his dad and Giselle off on their own


    adventures, he was left alone. His grandparents had gone to visit his great- grandparents, leaving no one to y with him. ying video games alone was so boring.


    He felt rejected-his mom used to drop everything to y with him if he asked, and now she was saying no!


    Frustration bubbled up, and Adrian didn''t want to hear more. He abruptly hung up the phone.


    He decided he wouldn''t call his mom again!


    Even if she reached out, he wouldn''t pay attention to her!


    Giselle was betterpany, and if he knew where his dad had taken her, he


    would be ying with her now.


    With that thought, he dialed Giselle''s number.


    The abrupt end of the call left M worried. She tried to call back, but the line was busy. Assuming Adrian was at his grandparents'' ce, she called their housekeeper.


    The housekeeper checked upstairs, reporting back that Adrian was happily chatting on the phone, assuring M not to worry.


    After thanking the housekeeper, M hung up, feeling a mix of emotions. She could guess whom Adrian was speaking with, and her head throbbed with a dull ache.


    "What''s wrong?" Miranda asked, noticing M''s distressed look.


    M shook her head.


    At that moment, she felt a soft, warm hand gently rub her forehead, apanied by a child''s slightly hoarse voice.


    "Mommy, don''t be sad."


    Looking at the child''s earnest face, M''s eyes welled up. She grasped the small hand on her forehead and couldn''t help but kiss the child''s cheek.


    "Thank you, Julian. Come on, let''s eat."


    M had a sh wound on her right arm from a recent escape, and the child was also injured, making it difficult to eat. Though Miranda initially nned to feed the child, Julian insisted on eating only what M fed him.


    Fortunately, M managed well with her left hand, feeding Julian his meal.


    Julian wasn''t picky, eating whatever was offered, his table manners gentle. After eating, he let the adults help him clean up, quiet and well-behaved.


    He was adorable, a soft bundle of warmth.


    Even Miranda, who had initially opposed getting involved with the child, softened. She ordered express delivery of toys to entertain him.