Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 405

The rain outside was pouring down, and its staccato rhythm against the window pane was enough to keep Serena awake. Those big eyes of hers were wide open, staring at me,

Despite my own fear of thunder, seeing my delicate child made me feel a mother’s courage. Every time I sensed a thunderclap was about to explode, I’d cover Serena’s ears right away.

It was as if the heavens had a personál vendetta against us that day. Rather than the quick, passing storm one might expect, the rain seemed to have been increasing in intensity. Outside, shadowy figures occasionally rushed by, their outlines blurry in the deluge.

The phone rang. It was my mother. “Rena,” she said. “Where are you and Serena? You didn’t take an umbrella with you. Try to find shelter; you can’t let the child get wet!”

“We’re fine. We’re waiting out the storm inside a shop.” I reassured her.

“If it gets too bad, your father can bring you an umbrella, or you could buy one,” she suggested, her voice laced with concern.

After a short conversation, I hung up. That’s when Faith spoke up. “Irene, if you need to get home quickly. Neil can run out and get an umbrella, and escort you to your car.”

At her words, Karina instantly glanced at Neil. Faith seemed oblivious to any potential awkwardness, and urged Neil on. “Go buy an umbrella, Neil. A little rain won’t hurt a big guy like you. Can’t let a lady and a child get soaked.”

Neil, already in a sour mood, only looked at me, his eyes a cold steel.

“No need. I can order an umbrella online,” I said quickly.

Ignoring my objection, Faith insisted. “Why bother with that when there’s a mall right across the street? It’s much easier to just have Neil go.”

She didn’t seem to care that her own son might get soaked and catch a cold.

home would be

her a look,

up and left the shop. His silhouette disappeared across the street, into the mail, as the rain continued to pour.

my arms, I watched Neil’s retreating figure through the glass door, and a strange feeling washed over

Hiram piped up. “Mommy, did Daddy go to the mall? I want a

for Ms. Finch. It’s raining heavily outside. Next time we’ll get you a Transformer toy, okay?” Karina gently refused his request

want to play now!”

his grandson unhappy, Ryan chimed in. “Just call Neil and have him bring a

that, he dialed Neil’s number and

lit up at his grandfather’s support. He dashed over to Ryan, giving him a loving peck on the cheek. Ryan’s eyes crinkled

interaction in silence, gently rocking Serena in my arms.

Neil emerged from the mall, holding a

clothes were soaked through. When he returned to the shop, I could clearly

”

politely as he handed me the

was covered with

not to stare.

a boxed doll with black hair and blue eyes, dressed in a

stuttered, not

Hiram’s gift. For your daughter,” Neil said quietly, not meeting my gaze. “Consider it

by surprise. In Neil’s eyes, Serena was my child with Russel. So,

wasn’t my idea. My mom texted me and insisted I do this.