Chapter 15
Philip’s voice echoed with bitterness as Teresa left him behind. “All I’ve done, and this is how you repay me?” he yelled, his resentment palpable.
With each step Teresa took, she realized more and more that self–reliance was the key.
Philips, with his million–dollar car, had shown his true colors when he denied her a loan of just 30 thousand dollars. It was clear he saw her as a pown for his own schemes rather than a daughter.
Back in her own space, Teresa found solace in the bustling activity of her online store. There, she could take pride in her achievements. The store was making money, a small victory in the midst of her personal ninnoil.
“Miresa Fashion, the brainchild she and Miriam had nurtured together, was now hearing fruit.
A customer glanced through the clathes and commented. No children’s wear here, right? Your styles are quite unique.]
Teresa blinked in surprise at the idea of children’s fashion. It was an unexpected direction.
“Mommy Michael, dressed in his adorable sheep–patterned white cotton pajamas, toddled over to Teresa
Sering Michael, Teresa was struck with an idea and eagerly discussed it with Miriam
“Miriam,” she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm, “how about we start an online store for children’s clothing, with Michael as our model Kids
fashion is trending right now.”
Miriam raised an eyebrow skeptically. “Are you sure you can handle that on top of everything else?”
With a thick of her hand, Teresa brushed off the doubt. Tiece of cake,” she said with a grin. “Making money is never a cleare.”
Miriam felt a twinge of worry for Teresa, who hail faced many challenges as a nese mother. “If you believe it’s a good move, then let’s do it,” Miriam encouraged. “I do whatever I can to assist.
Teresa made a significant move by registering her own children’s clothing store. “Muffinkidz independent of Miriam’s women’s wear shop.
The rume “Muffinkidz” had a personal touch–Michael, Teresa’s son, was affectionately dubbed “Muthin” for his tender and sweet character, nickname known only to Teresa, Mirian, and their shared love for sweet treats.
Jonathan, who closely followed Teresa’s business endeavors, spotted the new store. It conjured a whimsical chat where Teresa had joked. “Hon, if we have kids, can we name our son Mullin and our daughter Cupcake! Itd be cute, right!”
He had humored her, saying. Sure, whatever you wan
She had teased him for not being earnest. “You’re just humoring me.”
He’d dismissed it with a chuckle. “Cotta earn the bucks, or are our kids going to live on fresh air?”
Alone with his glass of wine, Jonathan experienced a twinge of solitude. Glancing through Teresa’s new clothing store site, their past talks echoed in
his mind.
He scrutinized the pages, intrigued. “Where did she find these little models?‘ he mused, sporting the children in dresses and casual wear, their backs briefly visible.
He finished his drink, overwhelmed by a rush of nostalgia. Their two–year marriage had vanished, leaving him with only memories.
Teresa was deeply engrossed in her online store. Halloween catching her off guard. Her social media feed brimmed with pumpkins and candlelight, evoking memories of the holidays she’d celebrated with her grandparents.
Feeling a twinge of sorrow, Teresa updated her Facebook status: “Halloween again, missing my grandparents dearly. Love you both, forever.”
Halloween was drawing near, and soon the weeks would be a reminder of the time since her grandparents had left her.
aos of kids, she spotted him right away, diligently
Clock–out time hit, and Teresa was on her way to collect Michael from daycare. Amidst the chaos of coloring with his markers,
The teacher joined her, offering compliments. “Michael’s a real angel, Ms. Johnston. Always peaceful and lost in his drawings”
2:04 PM c
Chapter 15
With a heart full of love, Teresa summoned her son with a gentle, “Michael”
“Mommy!” he squealed, racing over with those stubby little legs.
He proudly displayed his masterpiece to her, his tiny hand’s covered in marker ink. Look how good it is. Mommy” he said, his face lighting up with pride.
The drawing was a stunner–a vase so realistic that it was hard to believe it was drawn by a two–year–old.
Teresa listened as the teacher praised Michael’s drawing skills. “He’s a natural. Maybe you could sign him up for art classes the teacher suggested with a warm smile.
“Thanks, I’ll look into that” Teresa responded, making a memal note. She had every intention of gening Michael into a class once her budget allowed.
She took Michael’s hand and they walked out of the school together. As they strolled, Michael, looking a bit put out, said, “You’re late. Mommy. I’m starving
“Sorry, kiddo. Teresa said, holding up a takeout box. “Throught us some barbecue ribs and fried shrimp. We’re having a treat tonight instead of the usual gruel,”
Michael’s eyes widened with delight. “Yay!” he exclaimed, practically bouncing in place
In the parking lot. Teresa hit the unlock button on her keys, the sound echoing as she helped Michael into his car seat.
Michael’s excitement filled the car as he looked around from the back seat. “Mommy, this car rocks! It’s so much nicer than the old one,” he said, his voice full of awe.
Teresa’s smule flickered, but sise sidestepped mentioning that his dad had given it to them
In his childlike simplicity, Michael inquired, “What happened to our old buddy. Mommy??
Teresa kept her awer straightforward. “It’s taking a break, sweethear. We’re going to use the little red car now?
Once they had secured their seatbelts and started the drive home, they reveled in the quiet companionship that the trip provided.
Once they arrived. Teresa presented a table of tasty dishes she’d picked up, along with her homemade gruel.
At the dinner table, Michael shared his idea. “You should find a rich dad for us. Mommy. Then we wouldn’t have to worry about money, and you could take it easy
Teresa let out a laugh and affectionately pinched her son’s cheek. “You’re so considerate, sweetheart. Don’t fret, we’ll manage just great on our
Michael’s eyes sparkled with an idea. “And you’re spending more time with me!”
ourown.
“I make sure of in, Teresa promised, her voice steady.
After their meal, Teresa guided Michael’s small hands in making wreaths.
“Who are these wreaths for Mommy!” Michael asked, his fingers defily wearing the greens.
“They’re for your great–grandparents. We’ll visit them soon,” “Teresa replied softly.
Michael’s brow furrowed. “But why don’t they conse to our house?”
Teresa’s hands paused mid–air. They’re very old, buddy. They can’t walk very far, she said, her voice tinged with emotion.
Michael’s face fell. “We should call them then. I want to talk to them!”
“Let’s do that,” Teresa agreed, her smile bittersweet as she pinched his check affectionately.
Exhausted from his wreath–making efforts, Michael conked out at the table, likely dreaming of his great–grandparents.
Teresa tenderly carried her slumbering son to bed, tucking him in.
Teresa was packing up for the day when her phone buzzed with an incoming call. She pulled it out, surprised to see Jonathan” pop up
They hadn’t spoken in ages. With a mix of curiosity and wariness, she answered, “Hello!”
“Hey. “Teresa, it’s Jonathan came the response, the sound of an airport subbub in the background. I’ve been on a work trip and I’m just now back
2/3
2:04 PM c
Chapter 15
in Nareigh.”
his plans.
Teresa got why she hadn’t bumped into him around Narrigh lately, yet she couldn’t figure out the reason behind him telling her h
Jonathan got straight to the point. The anniversary of your grandparents passing is in two days. I’ve got my assistant to prepare tributes like llowers and wreaths. I was thinking we could go and honor their memory together. What do you think!”
Teresa mentioned, “I’ve made a few for the memorial too.
Jonathan’s expression brightened. That’s really thoughtful: he responded.
Teresa’s lips tightened. “I can manage the trip to the cemetery alone,” she insisted.
Jonathan hesitated, a hint of unease in his tone. I missed it last year, but I’d like to join this time. Despite our separation, your grandparents meant a lot to me, he shared,
Teresa exhaled softly “Fine. You do what you feel is right.”
She had been considering taking Michael to pay respects to his great–grandparents,
色
