Chapter 37
Lorraine beamed. “That’s great! I’m pretty good at planning trips, so feel free to ask for help. whenever you need it.”
I glanced at her gratefully. “Thanks. I’ll definitely reach out when the time comes.”
On the way to drop Lorraine off, we talked about all kinds of things. I realized that being with Lorraine always helped me relax–like I could finally let go of all the stress that usually weighed me down.
The next morning was a Saturday, and I decided to start the day by making a big breakfast.
Jonas asked between bites, “Daddy, where are we going today?”
I smiled and ruffled his hair. “How about Mecca Park?”
Jonas’s eyes lit up. “Awesome! Can I bring my sketchbook?”
“Of course,” I said. “By the way, Ms. Sommerton mentioned she could teach you some drawing techniques sometime.”
Jonas perked up at the mention of Lorraine. “Really? Ms. Sommerton is so nice!”
At the park, Jonas immediately pulled out his sketchbook and started drawing. While sitting on a nearby bench watching him, I thought about what Lorraine had said yesterday.
Maybe I really did need to spend more time with Jonas. Work was important, but his childhood was fleeting. Determined to make a change, I pulled out my phone and started researching family–friendly vacation spots.
Suddenly, Jonas‘ excited voice broke my concentration. “Ms. Sommerton!”
Looking up, I saw Lorraine walking toward us, dressed in casual clothes and carrying a picnic basket. She smiled warmly and exclaimed, “What a coincidence running into you both here!”
I stood up, surprised. “Lorraine, what brings you here?”
Lorraine lifted her picnic basket. “It’s such a beautiful day, and I thought I’d have a picnic. I can’t believe I ran into you two!”
Jonas eagerly grabbed Lorraine’s hand. “Ms. Sommerton, you’re just in time! Would you look. at my drawing?”
Lorraine smiled gently. “Of course, let me see what you’ve got.”
Watching Lorraine and Jonas discuss his artwork stirred something inside me. The scene
Charic
looked so natural, as if we were already a family.
After giving Jonas somie drawing tips, Lorraine turned to me. “Since we’re all here, why don’t we picnic together? I packed plenty of food.”
I didn’t answer her immediately, but I agreed when I noticed Jonas‘ hopeful expression. We spread out a blanket under a shady tree. Lorraine had packed an impressive spread
sandwiches, fruit salad, cupcakes, and fresh juice
Jonas ate happily, repeatedly complimenting Lorraine’s cooking. She smiled and said, “If you like it, I can make it more often.”
Her words touched something in me. Watching her gentle smile, I realized she had somehow
life. become a natural part of Jonas and my
After the picnic, we took a walk together. Jonas can ahead, occasionally turning back to show us interesting things he had found. As the sun began to set, we wrapped up our perfect picnic
day.
Jonas had worn himself out and fell asleep against my shoulder on the way home. When we got home, I carefully carried Jonas to his bed, but just as I was about to leave the room, he opened his eyes.
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Chapter 38
