Chapter 230 Weaning
From that day on, Susan settled comfortably into the house across from George's.
George had initially asked Serenity to help Susan with cleaning every day, but Susan refused. She felt she already owed George too much and couldn't keep accepting his help.
Every day, Susan cleaned, cooked, and did laundry with Spring. Sometimes, she'd make something tasty and invite George over. Life began to feel more buoyant and filled with joy. Susan no longer worried about Catherine and Dorothy or feared Catherine's reactions to gossip.
Despite the physical exhaustion from her daily chores, Susan found contentment in the simple joys of life with Spring. As her adorable little one grew rapidly, their bond deepened, bringing warmth and happiness to their shared days.
George adored Spring too, often buying clothes, baby food, and toys for her. Susan knew these were expensive imports, but since they were gifts from Spring's godfather, she couldn't refuse.
When Spring turned six months old, Susan decided to wean her.
On the day of the transition, Spring cried loudly in her room, but Susan steeled herself and didn't go to her. She knew if she checked on Spring, she'd soften and end up nursing her. She couldn't bear to see Spring's tear-streaked face.
Susan planned to wean Spring and then find a job. She couldn't stay home any longer; she needed to earn money to support herself and Spring. Although George could help her, she wanted to live with dignity and rely on herself.
At dusk, there was a knock on the door. Susan, deep in thought on the sofa, got up to answer it.
Seeing George, Susan forced a smile. "Just got off work?"
"What's wrong with Spring? I heard her crying just as I got off the elevator. Is she not feeling well?" George asked anxiously.
"No, I'm weaning her." After listening to Spring cry all day, Susan's heart was breaking.
"Weaning? Are you out of your mind? She's so young!" George's usual gentle demeanor vanished, and his face darkened.
Susan was about to explain, but George brushed past her. He walked straight into the master bedroom.
Inside, he saw Serenity walking back and forth with Spring, whose face was red from crying, covered in snot and tears.
George frowned and took Spring from Serenity. "Give me the child."
"Mr. Anderson, Spring is being weaned!" Serenity said.
"Weaning a six-month-old? You guys are really messing things up!" George said angrily, carrying Spring out.
Seeing George with Spring, Susan's heart tightened. Spring cried even harder when she saw Susan, reaching out to her.
George, with a stern face, placed Spring in Susan's arms. "Feed her right now!"
Susan knew George was concerned about Spring, but so was she. Holding Spring, she resolutely said, "George, if I feed her now, all my efforts will be in vain."
"Yeah, Mr. Anderson, you're a man and don't get it. Weaning a child takes determination; otherwise, it's really tough," Serenity chimed in, backing Susan up.
Spring, only six months old, seemed to understand. She cried even harder, knowing they wouldn't let her nurse.
George frowned and growled, "She's only six months old. What do you mean by weaning her? Do you even know what you're doing? Are you really her mother? How can you be so heartless?"
Susan looked down at Spring, who was nuzzling against her chest, and her heart softened. George's reproach made her tear up. She couldn't hold out any longer and began to unbutton her blouse.
Seeing this, George turned his back and walked to the living room window, staring at the city lights.
As soon as Susan lifted her shirt, Spring stopped crying and latched on eagerly.
Watching Spring nurse happily, Susan's tears fell. Her chest was painfully engorged, but it didn't hurt as much as her heart did.
Susan was acutely aware that Spring was just six months old, and while she appreciated George's help, she hesitated to rely on him entirely. They weren't family, and she felt guilty living in his house, eating his food, and using the things he bought for Spring.
She wanted to earn money and get out of this situation. But seeing Spring nursing, she knew her efforts were in vain.
After about ten minutes, Spring was full, let go of the nipple, and fell asleep in Susan's arms. Exhausted from crying, she fell asleep quickly. Seeing the dried tear stains on her face, Susan felt a bit better, though still pained.
Serenity came over and said, "I'll take Spring to the room."
"Thanks." Susan nodded, handing Spring to Serenity, who took her to the master bedroom.
Now, only Susan and George were left in the living room.
George turned around, his expression softened. "I'm sorry, I got a bit emotional earlier."
"You were just worried about Spring. I don't blame you. Besides, I am a heartless mother," Susan said, her voice breaking as she turned away, covering her mouth.
Seeing Susan so upset, George walked up to her. He reached out to pat her shoulder but hesitated and withdrew his hand.
"Why did you suddenly decide to wean Spring?" George asked, frowning.
Susan wiped her nose and tears with a tissue. "I want to find a job, so I thought I should wean Spring and have Serenity take care of her. If I work, I can at least pay Serenity's fees and our living expenses. I don't want to keep living off your help. It makes me uncomfortable. I've never lived so passively. It makes me feel insecure. I don't want to live like this anymore."