<b>166 </b>


    Sienna’s POV


    I took a deep breath, trying to soothe the sudden surge in my heart. The handles of the shopping bags made me feel like I was holding my hands. The sight of small faces rushed past me, and I kept my attention on the first- grade ssroom door. They were all waiting for me.


    And then I saw him.


    Noah emerged with his small Avengers backpack, his hair a little frizzy, and his cheeks flushed from all the y. His gaze widened to his right and left, but I caught my attention.


    Holding out his small hand, he eximed “Mommy!”


    I was beaming with joy. All the tiredness of the day ceased at that moment. As I came towards him, I crouched down and gave a tight hug. Despite the warmth of his small body, the scent of soap and child’s sweat permeated my nose.


    His


    eyes were bright as he smiled at him, saying “Mommy came!”


    “Of course, sweetheart. Mommy, I thought you were gone,” I said softly, stroking his hair.


    Withughter, he said, “I thought maybe Dad was going to pick me up. But it’s Mommy!”


    My jaw dropped as I said, “It’s a little surprising. Mommy’s departure prompted me to drop you off.”


    Prior to leaving the school gate, Noah was already talking when he grasped my hand. Every word he spoke was filled with happiness, his eyes were radiant, and every line of speech felt like a tiny part of his new world thatcked impetus.


    He recounted to me about his new friend Mika, who had a passion for drawing robots; his teacher, whom he learned from reading fairy tales in ss; and how despite falling during batting practice, recollection prevented him from crying. With a small, steady hand that never seemed to slow down, his steps were always full of energy and momentum.


    I listened with an unrelenting smile on my face. The words he spoke left him with a sense of anticipation for an improved future, one where surrounded byughter and light stood out instead of being empty.


    Mikaplimented my drawing, saying that it was fantastic, Mom!


    He jokingly admitted that his only thought was to draw a red robot resembling the one he had at home. My eyes filled withughter as I sketched his serious little face. “That was really pretty,” I said, picturing two kids sitting together in a circle with crayons spread between them.


    Our steps felt light despite the warmer afternoon air. Cars and motorcycles flooded the narrow road in front of the school as parents arrived to collect their children, but Noah decided to walk a bit further ahead of us before we headed for. He persisted in talking, asionally halting to confirm whether I was listening or not, and then continuing with fresh enthusiasm.


    “Mommy, you know what? A star sticker will be given to us if we assist our friends, as per Miss ra’s statement. He proudly announced, I’ve got one!” as he lifted his little finger.


    With a smile on my face, I breezed through his hair. “You merit it, dear. Click for more details. Mommy’s <b>so </b>proud of you.”


    Afterughing, he proceeded to mention having a great lunch with his buddies, even though his rice was slightly cold due to being preupied with ying. However.


    He was walking slowly in <b>the </b>evening, and there was a gentle rhythm to it as traffic passed by. asionally, I would nce over at him and noticed his growth. I noticed that my round cheeks had be slightly slimmer, his eyes had been sharpened, and he was slowly developing a personal understanding of the world. His facial features were also noticeable.


    I couldn’t help but feel grateful for being here, hearing all of his stories. I used to long for such moments, hidden by my own fears and distractions. Seeing his cheerful countenance was the crucial aspect, and I knew it.


    His words were heard by me in silence. Time seemed to move swiftly in each sentence. Just yesterday, I felt like holding him in my arms and he could talk non–stop about his tiny world.


    We left the school zone and got in touch with another taxi. While sitting beside me this time, Noah kept a lively conversation with his backpack on hisp.


    “Oh, Mommy! Miss ra gifted me a star sticker because I responded to her inquiry the fastest.”


    Looking at him, I eximed: “Wow, that’s awesome. You’re getting so smart.”


    With a proud nod, Noah ced his head on my shoulder and proceeded to say “I love school, as per Mom’s request. Even so, I find it more enjoyable when Mommy takes me under your arms.‘


    My chest was shattered by the insignia that came through those words. I blinked at the tears that had suddenly emerged, turning my head to the window.


    I whispered, “Mommy can pick you up too.”


    While heading back home, I observed his face bing drowsy, possibly due to exhaustion following a long day. My soft and tender touch was still felt in his tiny hand. I pressed down against the seat, remembering the moment with great intensity.


    Carved along at a leisurely pace in the afternoon traffic. As the sky changed from bright golden orange to a softvender, the streetlights began to appear and glow. I had Noah sat in the back seat, his face tired and glowing from previous tears. His eyelids fluttered, fighting sleep.


    I observed him with a soft voice, keeping limbs still. It remained immobile, with only the sound of engine and faint radio sounds remaining. He held onto my hand with all his might, but it was a tangible and warm object. My chest felt shattered with the presence of peace,pleteness and recognition. It was all within reach.


    With my finger in his hand, he moved around without even opening his eyes. That little face still had the traces of the day’s happiness, ughter, curiosity, and infinite wonder. My memory faded from the first time I held him, when his weight was only as small as a nket. I hoped that the world would always be merciful towards him as he was growing rapidly.‘


    A red light was the destination of the vehicle’s speeding. From the window, I observed people rushing towards the street, including a man in tan and girl carrying flowers, as well as observing dozens of young couples


    Cede


    <strong>Cede</strong> is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a ir for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cede’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.