Chapter 104: The Most Real Pretence

"Why did Mom only come now? Don’t you miss me and Reno?"

I was startled when I heard his question, as if Abel could hear what I was thinking.

"Why would you say that, Abel? I miss you and Reno." I looked into Abel’s clear eyes, then gently tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. "I’m sorry. I have a lot of work."

I forced a smile in front of Abel and Reno, while Kenn clicked his tongue at me. How could I pretend to be a mother when I am still in school myself.

Honestly, I feel like laughing every time I hear myself, still a high school student, being called "Mom."

Do I really look that old?

But would I still be able to laugh if these less fortunate children called me that with such pleading eyes?

Of course not. It feels as if my conscience is being squeezed.

"Why do you never come here? Why is it always Father who comes?" Abel repeated. This time I saw his small hand wipe the tears streaming down his cheek. "Do you want to leave us again? Don’t you love us?"

"I just said that I have a lot of—"

"You’re mean, Mom!" he suddenly shouted.

Abel stepped back a few paces away from me before I could finish my sentence.

"Liar! All this time you must have forgotten about me and Reno. You don’t love us, do you?"

My heart dropped. I shook my head frantically at Abel.

"Why did you leave us at the orphanage? Were we naughty? Did Reno and I trouble you, Mom? Why are you so heartless? What did we do wrong, Mom?"

I bit my lower lip. I did not expect a child as young as Abel to pour out his emotions like this.

"Mrs. Eka said that Mom loves us, that’s why you chose this orphanage to take care of us. Is that true? Can’t you take care of us yourself? Have you ever felt lonely without me and Reno? Answer me, Mom. Don’t just stay silent!"

I was stunned and clenched my fingers tightly. What should I answer? Should I tell them that what they feel is the same as what I have felt all this time? That I also long for parental love?

I closed my eyes tightly, hoping my tears would not fall in front of them. I have to be strong.

"Reno believes Mom would never be that heartless to us, Abel."

I immediately opened my eyes when I heard Reno’s voice. It sounded so calm.

He gently wiped his younger brother’s tears. "Mom just isn’t ready to take us home yet. It’s okay, stop crying. Reno is still here."

Oh God, how strong this child is. He is able to act mature and try to comfort his younger brother, even though I am sure he has the same questions.

I repeated Reno’s words in my mind.

Mom isn’t ready to take us home yet? Is that true?

A bitter smile formed on my lips. I slowly shook my head. No, that reason is not convincing enough for me. Just because they are not ready does not mean they can let go of their responsibility.

Whoever their real parents are, they are truly too much, I cursed inwardly.

Setting aside the pain in my heart, I stepped closer and pulled Abel and Reno into my arms. I wanted to let them feel that they are not alone here.

"I’m sorry I could only come now. From now on, I promise I will come often to see Abel and Reno." In the end, that was all I could say.

They nodded at the same time and cried in my embrace.

I saw Kenn smile. A smile I had never seen before, so sincere and warm.

He walked toward us and stroked Abel and Reno’s hair. "How about we play together now?"

At once Abel and Reno released my hug and looked at each other. The next second, bright smiles bloomed on their faces.

They shouted, "Hooray! Playing together with Mom and Dad!"

Kenn and I fell silent as we exchanged glances, then we laughed together at Abel and Reno’s adorable behavior.

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