A Call That Changed Her Entire Life

"Come, let's talk, Cloris," called Jack. Now, it was natural for him to call her Cloris, and it felt like an intimate thing. "I think Beryl needs a father. She needs a complete family, don't you think so?"

Emily paused for a moment before answering, pursing her lips. "No, I don't. She's not your daughter anyway, so you don't have to bother yourself with that."

His eyes flashed a hint of surprise. "Emily, if you don't believe me, Beryl and I could do a paternity test."

Emily's eyes narrowed. "That's not necessary." Her eyes were almost twitching as she glared at him. "She's my daughter, and I know who her father is."

For a moment there, Jack believed she already knew the truth. He soon calmed himself down and explained, "Emily, I thought the reason you came back to Z country was so that our daughter could enjoy a reunited, complete, family. Do you really want her to grow up without her father?"

Emily's jaw clenched. "I told you, she's not your daughter." All sense of politeness out the window, she started raising her voice. "Jack, I've had enough of you. You should leave me alone."

Her words upset him, and he looked at her carefully. "Did you come back for-"

"I'm tired," Emily interrupted before he could speak the name. "I don't want to deal with you anymore, so please just go."

He kept silent for a moment and nodded. With an affectionate gaze and a gentle tone, he suggested once again, "I hope you can give it some thought, at least for Beryl's sake. Have a good rest, then. I'll go."

Since returning home, Jack had rarely seen Emily so emotional and agitated. He knew the reason, of course.

He finally turned away, his eyes a little gloomy.

"Uncle Jack!" called Beryl. She sort of waddled over in her big slippers, a puppy following close beside her. "Did you have a fight with mommy?" she asked curiously.

He bent down to hug her, and the puppy hopped around at his feet, leaning its forelegs on his thigh.

"Nah, your mommy just needs some time to figure some thing out, you know?"

"I got it," the child answered. She nodded idly before giving him a serious look. "Don't do anything bad to my mommy, ok?"

to look threatening for her mother. "How

With a gentle look, he bid her goodbye. "Beryl, I have to go now. I'll come

he'd only make things worse with Emily if he stayed. Leaving would be the best thing to do

She walked him away before running

sleep. She

have a fight with Uncle Jack?" Beryl looked up

were just having a little talk." Emily didn't really want to explain the whole

want Uncle Jack to come

moment. "Why's that? I thought

only admit that Jack was quite good with children. In such a short period of time, it seemed as though Beryl warmed up to him well, and

mommy," Beryl frowned. "Mommy, I'm always

sweet, innocent words warmed Emily's heart. She knew her daughter loved her

on

her into her arms and stroked her hair with all the gentleness of a mother. "Beryl,

"Um…" she rubbed her arms

the bittersweet feeling her daughter's

to have such a sweet and loving daughter, but Beryl's answer puzzled her. She was her own daughter, and she brought her up herself undoubtedly. How could it be that she couldn't quite understand the child's decision? The more sensible and clear headed Beryl was, the

to sound so mature at her young age?

to work as she usually did, but something was still a

even spilled her coffee on some important files and had to reprint them.

you alright?" She looked

focused and diligent in her work. What was wrong with her today? She wondered

some pressure on her temples, and pinched the bridge of her nose, obviously tired. A feeling of helplessness was creeping

all her attention on her work. She shook her head as if it could shake

walked idly for a bit, but froze when she saw the gate of LA.