A Call That Changed Her Entire Life

Beryl was witty and full of life, but she was still a child. She was still naive and Sean knew that. He took advantage of her innocence and easily fooled the kid.

Her expression changed as she looked at Sean with a small glimmer of hope. But her voice still sounded uncertain as she slowly asked again, "Are you really gonna let me see my mommy if I behave well?"

Sean breathed a very small sigh of relief, 'Finally!' He smiled a little too big and nodded his head as he answered, "Of course, I give you my word. I promise you will see her. Pinky swear?"

"Well.. Okay." Determination filled Beryl's little face. She took Sean's words seriously. With her forehead creased in concentration, she strongly promised, "I will make mommy better."

Sean decided to go along with Beryl's steadfast determination. He looked at her seriously and earnestly replied, "I believe you will, Beryl. I know you will do the right thing."

Oh to be a child! She was such an innocent kid. It was so easy to make her believe anything. A few encouraging words made her turn around and change her mind.

...

Early morning the following day, the private teacher Sean was talking about arrived. Beryl took different classes with her teacher. She started and ended her day with her studies. She hardly had time to play the last few days due to her focus on her classes.

Though Beryl wasn't a fan of their arrangement, she knew she had to do it for her mommy. She also knew if given under any other circumstance, she would never agree to this.

But the thought of seeing her mommy and making her feel better kept Beryl going. It made her strong and determined to finish her studies day by day.

In less than half a month, Beryl had already made progress in her studies. She earned higher scores and was constantly improving. Seeing her score card made Beryl ecstatic. She quickly took it and ran to see Sean. Upon seeing her scores, Sean smiled and led the way to Emily's room.

Beryl was finally going to see her mommy. She was too excited and giddy as they entered Emily's room.

From time to time, Beryl thought of slipping into her mommy's room without her Uncle's permission. But Emily's room always had a guard standing outside, and she never got her chance. Apart from that, she was too busy with her classes that she barely had time to think of a plan or to even stop and do other things.

"Mommy!" Beryl ran to her mother's bed and gently shoved herself to Emily. Muffled by her embrace, Beryl burst out, "I miss you so much!"

She held her mommy close, but Emily did not reciprocate the hug nor the excitement. She looked confused and did not seem to recognize the kid hugging her. With a weak voice she asked, "Who... are you?"

threatening to spill out. Her voice was shaky as she asked, "Mommy? What happened? What are you talking about? It's me, Beryl. I'm

Beryl looked behind her. Sean was suddenly in the room behind her. He ignored Beryl's confusion and reminded her

know who I am! She doesn't recognize me!" Beryl was starting to panic. She had no

just ill. You have

you sure, Uncle Sean?" Beryl sobbed.

After all, he watched Beryl grow up. He cradled her; he took care of

Beryl. Please stop crying. Your mommy will not recognize you if your face is all scrunched up

the tears on

blank. All she could do was listen to Sean

my baby daughter Beryl! I have such an awful memory now! I am

recognized her. She slipped into Emily's arms and hugged her

he will, won't he?" Emily responded slowly and with hesitation. She glanced at Sean with the

was wrong, but she was overwhelmed by joy. She was finally with her mommy!

face full of exhaustion,

change in Emily's strength. He gently took Beryl in his arms and said to Emily, with a light tone and slow speed, like he was hypnotizing her, "Rest if you feel

and lied down the bed. She immediately fell asleep.

forehead to check her temperature. She

They haven't even talked that much.

her out of the room. "Your mom is still weak. I let you in because

tears sprinkling in her eyes. "Yeah, I can do that. But when can I see her again? I still have a lot

her deeply, "Beryl, are you going to ask her about your dad? I've already told you that he left. I

little shocked with what Sean said. Was mommy ill because of daddy? But why did daddy leave them behind. He left so suddenly, and he didn't

mom and her so much! Beryl

never hurt you and your mom. I only want

she was not sure if she understood well enough. She turned her head around to have another look at the room. With expectation and eagerness, she turned to face Sean, "Uncle Sean, I will do what you want me to