Chapter 52 "Aunt Linda," Alex replied without looking up. "I just wanted to say hi." Sarah's chest tightened, but she said nothing. She didn't stop him.
The car ride continued in silence, save for the faint tapping of Alex's fingers on his phone.
Sarah kept her eyes on the road, though her mind was elsewhere.
She told herself it didn't matter, that Linda's presence in Alex's life didn't diminish her role as his mother.
But the lingering ache told a different story.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe message from Linda arrived just as Alex was putting his books into his backpack.
He glanced at his phone, his heart pounding in worry.
**Just a minor illness, Alex,** Linda's text read. *"No need to worry. Rest up, focus on school, and I'll be fine."* Alex frowned, chewing his bottom lip.
He knew Linda hated being fussed over, but her vague assurances didn't sit well with him.
His fingers flew over his phone screen.
*"I'll cby right after school, Aunt Linda. Don't try to talkout of it."* He hit send before she could respond.
As he slipped his phone into his pocket, he recalled asking his mom, Sarah, to make dinner tonight.
The thought made him pause.
"She didn't even react when I told her I'd visit Linda," Alex murmured to himself.
*Does that mean she's okay with it?* With his concerns momentarily appeased, Alex's mood lifted.
Whistling a jaunty tune, he hurried to school, his steps light with purpose.
Sarah stood by the window, watching Alex's retreating figure with a small, distracted smile.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmWhen he turned the corner and disappeared, she let out a soft sigh and turned to the calendar hanging on the kitchen wall.
Her brows furrowed. Today was circled in red... *Work Turnover Deadline.* “This is it,” she muttered to herself, her voice tinged with relief and apprehension. "After today, I can finally focus entirely on my own projects." With a deep breath, Sarah collected her things and headed out the door.
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She pushed her chair back and stretched before heading to the pantry for coffee.
The familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, southing her frayed nerves.
Just as she reached for a mug the sound of the front doors opening caught her attention.
Torning her head slightly, she saw him. Alpha Arnold, striding into the building with his usual commanding presence.