Chapter 91

Mikayla's POV
“Yes, honey. We can play after breakfast,” I replied, feeling my heart flutter with happiness. Seeing her spirit back was the most beautiful gift after a tiring night.
I immediately went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Today, I decided to make sweet and sour shrimp—the kids’ favorite dish. I think they will definitely like my cooking, and this is also a way to invite joy back into the house.
Skillfully, I started cooking. The aroma of shrimp seasoned with sweet and sour slowly filled the kitchen, making me even more excited. While waiting for the shrimp to cook, I heard Daniel and Emma playing in the living room, adding to my enthusiasm.
“Here it is, mom is cooking your favorite food!” I shouted, hoping to invite them.
“Yay! Sweet and sour shrimp!” Daniel exclaimed. The joy also became an extension of her happiness.
When breakfast was almost finished, I arranged the food on the table neatly, serving it with fresh vegetables as a complement. As soon as I saw it, the sparkling sweet and sour shrimp made me feel proud.
Finally, when everything was done, I called them to sit at the dining table. Emma and Daniel immediately ran there. As soon as they saw the food in front of them, their faces both lit up with joy.
"Mom, this is really good!" Daniel exclaimed, before devouring the shrimp with gusto.
"Mom, it's delicious!" Emma also tried it immediately, and seeing them enjoy my cooking with smiles made me feel deep happiness.
Enjoying food with family is the best way to celebrate the little moments in our lives. With every bite they take, I feel like we are getting closer, supporting each other and sharing happiness even though the world outside can seem uncertain.
"Thank you, mom, for this delicious breakfast!" Emma said cheerfully.
"Yes, mom is amazing!" Daniel added, making me smile proudly.
As we enjoyed breakfast, Rudolf seemed in a hurry. I had prepared a lunch for him, hoping to provide some comfort before he went to the office.
“Sorry, I can’t join you for breakfast. I’m in a hurry,” Rudolf said, his face showing his busyness and focus. I understand, work is sometimes unavoidable.
“It’s okay, Rudolf. Have a good day,” I said, trying to be supportive. Disappointment was visible on the children’s faces as Rudolf left. They really wanted to spend time with him.
However, Rudolf was not at a loss for ideas. “But don’t worry, kids. This weekend, daddy will take you on a trip! We can go to the park or somewhere you like. How about it?” he said, his eyes sparkling with a reassuring promise.
Hearing that, Emma and Daniel’s faces immediately lit up. “I want to go to the park with the slide!” Daniel exclaimed excitedly.
“I want to go on a trip too!” Emma added, looking excited.
Rudolf smiled seeing the happiness on their faces. “So, remember, we’re going to have fun this weekend. Now, mom has made delicious food for daddy. So, don’t forget to bring it!”
After giving each of the kids a quick hug, Rudolf packed his things and got ready to leave. “Honey, I’m going now. We’ll talk more about today,” he said to me with a warm smile.
“Have a good day!” I replied, relieved to see his enthusiasm despite the rush.
As the door closed behind him, I saw the kids looking even more cheerful with the promise of a weekend getaway. Somehow, Rudolf always knew how to calm them down and make everyone feel like they mattered.
“Now, how about we get ready for today?” I asked, trying to distract them from missing their dad. We could do other fun activities until it was time for the fun-filled weekend.
“I’ll get some toys ready and we can draw!” Daniel said, and Emma nodded in agreement.
*
A week later, as I waited with bated breath, I finally received a notification from the mail that had arrived from campus. When I opened the letter, tears of joy streamed down my cheeks. Oh my gosh, I passed the first round! My heart was pounding as I read the next sentence—tomorrow I had to go to the second stage, the interview.
A mixture of happiness and anxiety. I didn’t want to waste this opportunity, and I was determined to do my best. Immediately after reading the letter, I looked for Rudolf, wanting to consult and get his guidance.
“Rudolf, I really need your help!” I said beaming, reaching his usual place of work in the living room.
He looked at me intently. “What’s wrong, honey? You look so excited,” he replied, nodding.
“I received a letter from the campus—I passed the first stage! Tomorrow I will be attending the second stage interview!” I said, unable to hide my excitement.
“Wow, that’s amazing, Mikayla! Congratulations! I knew you could do it,” Rudolf replied with a big smile. However, I knew there were a few things I needed to prepare.
“What should I do and prepare?” I asked, feeling a little nervous. “I want to make sure everything goes smoothly.”
He nodded, looking serious. “First, make sure you understand what you need to convey during the interview. Prepare answers to common questions, such as your motivation for going to college and what you want to achieve in this field of psychology.”
“So, maybe I should make a note of my reasons and goals for studying?” I asked.
“Yes, that’s a good thing. Also, dress neatly and confidently. Show your best self! And remember, the interview is also an opportunity to ask them questions. So, prepare some questions that you want to ask,” Rudolf added.
Hearing all of Rudolf’s advice made me feel calmer. “Thank you, Rudolf. I feel more confident with your help,” I said sincerely.
“I’m always here to support you, honey. You’ve worked hard for this, and I believe you’ll do well,” he replied, embracing me for a moment.
After that, I went back to the table to start preparing everything that was needed.
The next day, Rudolf and I came to campus. My feelings were mixed! Part of me felt excited, while the other part was very nervous. When we arrived there, I took a number for the interview test and felt my heart beating faster.