Chapter 71

Aurora's POV
“Yeah, let’s go home,” I replied, trying to keep all the mixed feelings that had built up inside me.
On the way home, Dante invited me to sing along. I was hesitant at first, but as the first song played and filled the car, I slowly began to feel the tension in my body ease. Our singing voices mingled in the car, making the atmosphere more cheerful, and we made our way through the quiet streets.
Dante changed the songs to be lighthearted and funny. Creating small, sweet memories amidst the millions of haunting thoughts. We exchanged song material, and I began to feel more relaxed. He reminded me to enjoy the little moments—not just the ones that appeared on the surface, but also to guard my heart amidst the shadows of sadness.
I enjoyed every second of the ride. It was beautiful to feel the spirit between us despite the challenges of life around us. The laughter that came out made me feel lighter, as if all the burdens on my shoulders were slowly being lifted.
When we finally arrived home, a feeling of relief and happiness enveloped my heart. Seeing the children running to greet us with joy brought a smile to my face. They had been waiting, and seeing them was a reminder that family love is a strength that grows in us every day.
“Now is the time to give them the best,” I said to myself, preparing to take back my role in everyday life.
With steady steps, I stepped into the house, ready to give affection and attention to the children while keeping my mother in my heart. Remembering that life sometimes gives challenges, but together as a family, we will face them with enthusiasm and always support each other.
When I arrived home, I found a calm atmosphere—all the children were asleep. Seeing their cheerful faces while sleeping made me feel comfortable and happy. Gently, I walked to their beds and kissed each one of them, making sure that they were all comfortable in their sleep.
However, as I moved to leave, Roland suddenly woke up. His eyes were still half-closed, but when he saw me, a wide smile spread across his face. “Mommy!” he called out in a soft voice, as if calling me. “I want to sleep with you!”
My heart fluttered at his call. “Of course, honey,” I replied, happy to spend time with him.
I carried him to the bedroom, and as we both lay down, a warm atmosphere enveloped us. “Mommy, read me a story,” he requested, his eyes sparkling with hope. I smiled, remembering how he always loved to listen to bedtime stories.
Gently, I began to read one of his favorite stories. My soft voice filled the room, and soon, Roland’s gaze shifted from my eyes to the pages, gripping my hand tightly. I saw how his imagination was awakened by my story.
As I read each word, exhaustion slowly began to creep into me. The calm atmosphere and the warmth of Roland’s embrace filled me with love.
Soon, the sound of Roland’s calm breathing carried me into a dream world. He fell asleep in my arms, and within minutes, I felt sleepiness overtake me too. It felt like the perfect ending to a long and challenging day.
Finally, I touched the book that had fallen beside me, held Roland’s hand, and felt a deep sense of calm. The days may not always be easy, but the simple moments like this, where we share love and togetherness, are the most precious.
As I fell asleep, I hoped and prayed that the next day would bring new hope. We were family, and together, there was nothing we couldn’t face.
After a week of treatment in the hospital, my mother was finally allowed to go home. This news made me feel so relieved and happy. I immediately rushed to pick her up, bringing Cherry with me. Although Dante couldn’t come with me, I knew that my presence meant a lot to my mother and the exhaustion she probably still felt after the surgery.
When I arrived at the hospital, seeing my mother’s tired but smiling face when she saw me, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. “Mom, I’m here!” I exclaimed, running over to her and hugging her tightly. “Let’s go home.”
My mother nodded with sparkling eyes. “I miss home so much. Maybe it’s the food you cooked,” my mother said in a gentle but cheerful tone.
After completing all the administrative procedures, we headed home. In the car, I asked about the good news she received from the doctor, and my mother explained the results of the surgery and the next steps in her recovery. Although she felt weaker on the phone, I believed that she was on the right track to her health.
When I got home, I prepared a special dinner for my mother. I knew spinach and fried chicken were her favorites, so I tried my best to make it. Even though I was still learning how to cook, my mother always encouraged me to continue to improve.
While preparing the food, I couldn’t help but feel proud when I saw how my mother always praised my cooking. “Your cooking skills have improved a lot, Aurora,” she said, a warm smile etched on her face. “I feel so happy.”
Hearing that made me feel like my hard work and effort in cooking had paid off. I was so grateful to be able to give my best to my mother. When the food was served, my mother’s smile grew wider, indicating that this soup cooked from the heart was a small thing that was full of meaning.
After we had dinner together, my mother talked about our hopes for the future. Stories and laughter filled the evening, and I felt happy to be back with my family.