CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
A Mother’s Desire
After the joyous naming ceremony, where little Adam was officially welcomed into the world, the villagers slowly began to make their way back to their homes, their hearts full of happiness and contentment. It was a joyful experience. Every individual present left feeling happy and bearing the awesome memories of the event.
As everyone retired to their different homes, leaving Nana Sam, and Nina to do all the cleaning. However, it wasn't hard for them to finish the chores.
Nina and Nana Sam soon retreated into their humble abode, feeling happy and tired from the hectic occasion.
With a sigh of relief, Nina sank onto a stool, a little tired but a pleased smile still appeared on her face.
"Nana, did you notice Han wasn't at the ceremony? I'm sure he intentionally didn't want to come. It’s not fair." Nina asked, with a slight furrow forming on her brow as she glanced at Nana Sam, curiosity sparking in her eyes. She had noticed that almost everyone in the clan was around but Han wasn't. She couldn't imagine and understand why Han hated her that much. Even to the point that he wanted her out of the clan without having any emotions toward her, not considering her child as well.
Immediately, the bad memories of that sad day threatened to consume her but she quickly waved it off. There’s a whole lot to put her mind on that dwell in the past.
Nana Sam's expression softened as she gazed at Nina, her wise eyes were filled with both compassion and concern. "Yes, my dear, I noticed," she replied gently, her voice tinged with understanding. "But sometimes, people have their reasons for not attending such gatherings. It's not always easy to understand why. Moreover, we don't have to force people to attend our occasions and we must respect their decisions."
Nina frowned slightly, her mind still hanging back on Han's absence. "But why does Han hate me so much, Nana? What did I ever do to him?" she questioned, her voice was filler with frustration and sadness.
Nana Sam hesitated for a moment, her gaze dropping to the floor as she carefully considered her response. "My child, sometimes, people's hearts are filled with darkness and resentment, and you won't blame or judge them on whatever they want to feel." she began slowly, her voice soft and soothing. "But it's not your fault, Nina. You mustn't blame yourself for Han's feelings. He's dealing with his own inner struggles, and it's not for us to judge. Just mind your business and stay out of his lane."
Nina nodded slowly, her heart heavy with the thoughts of Nana Sam's words. She knew deep down that Nana was right, but a part of her couldn't help but wonder what had caused Han to harbor such animosity towards her.
With a deep sigh, Nina leaned back against the wall, her thoughts swirling in her mind as she contemplated the awkwardness of Han’s nature. With a sense of conclusion, she decided to respect herself and mind her business just like Nana Sam had instructed even though she didn't understand any of Nana’s excuses.
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As Nina contemplated Nana Sam's words, she couldn't stop thinking that there was more to Han's hostility towards her than met the eye. But for now, she pushed aside her doubts and focused on the present moment.
With an uncompromising sigh, Nina turned to Nana Sam and broached the topic of her son's name. She expressed her desire to give him a name of her own choosing, in addition to the name Nana Sam had given him. “Nana, I would like to seek your permission on something,” Nina inquired.
Nana Sam looked at her with curiosity in his eyes and urged her to go on. “Alright, you know you are always free to talk to me. What is it?”
Nina took a deep breath, acting like someone who was scared to talk. “I. I want to give my son the name I had in mind to give to him.”
Nana Sam's eyes sparkled with understanding as she listened to Nina's request. With a warm smile, she nodded in agreement. "Of course, my dear. It's only fitting that you have a say in your son's name, I only gave him a pet name." she replied, her voice gentle and reassuring.
Nina nodded, so she and Nana Sam deliberated over the perfect name for the newborn boy. After much thought and consideration, they settled on the name Cain.
“Cain! Nana, I will call my son Cain.” As the name rolled off Nina's tongue, Nana Sam's face lit up with joy.
"Cain," Nana Sam repeated, her voice filled with delight. "It's a beautiful name, my dear. I'm sure your son will love it a lot when he grows up. I love it."
With a sense of satisfaction, Nina gazed down at her son, now named Cain, cradled in Nana Sam's arms. The baby boy cooed softly, his eyes bright with innocence as he gazed up at his mother and grandmother.
Nana Sam couldn't resist the urge to tease her grandson, and she began to playfully tickle his tiny belly. Cain erupted into fits of giggles, his laughter filling the room with pure joy.
As Nina watched the tenderness and beautiful moment between Nana Sam and Cain, her heart swelled with love and appreciation. Despite the challenges she had faced, she felt grateful that she was blessed to have such a loving and supportive mother figure by her side, who only wanted her happiness.
“Thank you, Nana Sam. I don't know what I’d do without you. I'm truly grateful for all the love and support. For taking care of us. I and Cain say, "Thank you very much, Nana Sam.” she exclaimed, feeling grateful.
With Cain's laughter echoing in the background, Nina felt a sense of peace washing over her. She was at a place of peace and wished that nothing would stop her happiness.