Chapter 592 Another Loss
The sun was blazing, and the amusement park was alive with the laughter of children.
"Mom! I wanna go on that ride!"
Seraphine's voice echoed in Emma's mind.
Emma spun around, but only saw unfamiliar kids running past.
Her vision blurred.
Lucas tugged at Emma's hand, pointing to an ice cream truck in the distance. "Mom, can I get some ice cream?"
Emma nodded, pulling out her wallet. "Sure, let's get you some."
After paying, she turned to hand the ice cream to Lucas, only to find he was gone.
Emma's heart dropped.
"Lucas?" Her voice trembled as she looked around frantically. "Lucas!"
The amusement park was packed with people, children's laughter rising and falling, but there was no sign of Lucas.
Emma's breathing quickened, her fingers clenching involuntarily.
Seraphine had disappeared just like this.
"Lucas!" She nearly screamed, pushing through the crowd in search of him.
In the distance, Sophia heard the commotion and rushed over, her face pale. "Emma? What's going on?"
"Lucas is missing!" Emma's voice was on the verge of breaking. "I turned around to buy ice cream, and he was gone!"
Sophia's face turned ashen, and she immediately pulled out her phone. "I'm calling the police right now!"
Emma's vision darkened.
No, she couldn't lose another child.
Her legs felt weak, almost giving out beneath her. She clutched Lucas's teddy bear tightly, her knuckles white, as if it were the only thing keeping her grounded. The noise around her faded, leaving only the sound of her own frantic heartbeat.
"Lucas!" Her voice was hoarse, tears blurring her vision.
Just then, a small figure came bouncing out from the roller coaster exit.
"Mom! Grandma!" Lucas waved his arms excitedly. "I just finished the roller coaster! It was so high!"
Emma stood frozen, tears still streaming down her face. She looked at Lucas's innocent smile, unable to tell if it was real or a hallucination.
"Lucas..." Her voice was barely a whisper.
Sophia reached him first, scooping him into her arms. "You scared me to death!"
Lucas looked confused, blinking his big eyes. "Grandma, what's wrong? I told you I was going on the roller coaster."
Emma finally snapped out of it. She remembered Lucas had said something to her, but she had been too lost in thoughts of Seraphine to hear him.
Her legs gave out, and she collapsed onto a bench. She hugged Lucas tightly, tears streaming down her face.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." She buried her face in Lucas's small shoulder, her voice choked with sobs. "I'm not a good mom."
Lucas, frightened by Emma's tears, awkwardly patted her back. "Don't cry, Mom. I'm right here."
Sophia knelt, gently stroking Emma's hair. "Emma, it's not your fault."
"It is my fault!" Emma looked up, her face twisted in pain. "I can't even take care of my own children. Seraphine disappeared, and now Lucas too. What kind of mother am I?"
The amusement park's cheerful music continued to play, and the crowd around them remained lively, but this corner was shrouded in sorrow.
Lucas didn't quite grasp what was going on, but he knew Emma was really upset. He reached out his small hand to wipe away her tears.
"Mom, can I tell you a joke?" Lucas tilted his head, trying to cheer her up. "Why don't birds use computers?"
Emma stared at Lucas, dazed.
"Because..." Lucas made an exaggerated face, "They only know how to 'tweet'!"
The childish joke warmed Emma's heart. She managed a weak smile and hugged Lucas tighter.
"Mom's smiling!" Lucas clapped his hands happily, then said seriously, "Mom, I'll always be with you. No, wait, Seraphine and I will always be with you."
The words cut through Emma like a knife. She fought back tears and kissed Lucas on the forehead. "Okay, Mom will protect Lucas."
For the rest of their time at the amusement park, Emma stayed close to Lucas, never letting go of his hand, her eyes never leaving him for a second.
"Mom, I want to ride that." Lucas pointed to the carousel, his voice hesitant.
Emma nodded immediately. "Okay, I'll go with you."
On the carousel, Lucas laughed happily, but Emma nervously scanned the surroundings, afraid something might happen again. When the music stopped, she almost jumped off to grab Lucas.
"Mom, you don't have to be so worried," Lucas whispered. "I won't run off."
Sophia watched, her heart aching. She knew Emma was suffering from PTSD, but didn't know how to help.
As evening fell, the amusement park lights began to twinkle. Lucas, exhausted from the day's excitement, dozed off on Emma's shoulder.
"Emma, come home with us," Sophia suggested softly. "I can't bear the thought of you alone in that big house."
Emma shook her head, her eyes dull. "Your place is filled with memories of Seraphine. I can't handle it."
"But..."
"Mom, I'll be fine." Emma forced a smile. "Michael and Celeste are taking care of me. Don't worry."
Just then, Celeste's car pulled up at the park entrance. She hurried over, her brow furrowing at the sight of Emma's swollen eyes.
"Emma, are you okay?"
Celeste reached out to take Lucas, but Emma instinctively pulled back. The small gesture darkened Celeste's eyes, but she quickly masked it with concern.
"Let me carry Lucas. You look exhausted."
Emma realized her mistake and apologized. "I'm sorry, Celeste, I..."
"I understand." Celeste interrupted gently. "You've had a tough day."
Lucas rubbed his sleepy eyes and suddenly sat up. "Mom, I'll go home with Grandma today."
Emma was taken aback. "Why?"
"Because..." Lucas's small hand touched his mom's tired face. "You were so tired looking for me today. I don't want you to be more tired."
Emma's tears welled up again. She hugged Lucas tightly, her voice breaking. "Lucas, you're so thoughtful, but I want to be with you."
"It's okay, Mom." Lucas patted her back like a little adult. "Grandma will take good care of me. And..." He whispered in her ear, "I promised to help you make sure Grandma takes her medicine on time."
Sophia's eyes reddened again. She reached for Lucas. "Emma, let Lucas come with me. You really need to rest."
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