Chapter 9
Things didn’t go as smoothly as I thought. Ryan somehow found out my hotel room number. Every day after school, he waited for me at the hotel entrance.
He changed completely, holding my hand and sweetly calling me “Mom.” He even redid the broken craft project he had made before.
One morning, he brought a bowl of spicy soup and squatted by my door. When I opened it, he handed it to me and ran off.
I showed no expression, threw the soup into the trash, and left.
Then, I bought three bowls of the same soup and took them to Tommy’s house to share.
As my travel plans grew closer, I felt more reluctant to leave Tommy.
With my help, Tommy got into kindergarten.
HeL
He hugged the new schoolbag I bought for him, jumping happily. He kissed me on the cheek.
When I was about to leave, he carefully held my finger and asked, “Can I call you Mom?”
I was silent for a moment.
Chapter 9
He looked nervous and quickly said, “I’m sorry, Emily. I just think you’re kind to me. Please don’t be mad. I won’t say it again.”
I squatted down and wiped the tears forming in his eyes.
I said, “You can call me Godmother.”
He froze, then smiled brightly and hugged me.
He cheered, “Godmother!
“I’ve got a godmother.”
2/2
