The Kiss that Sparked it All

And with that, she quickly shed a few tears, “Balfour, I know I messed up. I didn’t take good enough care of Baber. But please don’t send him away. I swear I’ll try harder to be a better mom and take better care of Baber.”

Balfour looked at his headache of a sister, gently rubbed his temples, and said, “Alright, keep an eye on the kid for now, I’ve gotta go take a call.”

Balfour turned to leave as his phone buzzed in his hand. But before he could even take a step, Baber grabbed his hand, weakly pleading, “Balfour, don’t

go…

Baber was scared. He was terrified that once Balfour left, he’d be stuck with his mom.

When they were alone, his mom turned into a monster.

Balfour wasn’t sure exactly what the kid was afraid of. All he did was pat Baber’s cheek and quietly reassure him, “Be good, I’m just gonna take a call. Let Mom keep you company for a bit; I’ll be right back.”

Baber’s eyes were wide with fear, he looked like he was about to cry, “Balfour, don’t go. I’m scared.”

After seeing the kid so distressed, suspicion sparked in Balfour’s mind. He glanced over at Patricia, who was standing nearby.

was Baber so

afraid of

when did the kid

him when she ran out of

it was an important

comforting words before stepping out

small hand reached out helplessly towards the retreating figure of Balfour,

faded away, Patricia stepped forward, landing a harsh slap on the child in the bed and angrily snapped at him. “Naughty boy! What are you reaching out for? Do you want to let everyone know how

was immediately scared

could barely talk, could only plead for forgiveness with simple words,

you make a sound, just wait and see how I’ll deal with

and scared. He gritted his teeth, trying his

minutes later, Balfour returned from his call to see Baber’s face red and swollen, with tear stains on