Chapter 275

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Michael was finally feeling better , and his stomach troubles were gone . Teresa decided it was time to take him out for a few days of fun .
Teresa had been working hard on her cooking skills for days , but no matter how much she practiced , her dishes still couldn’t hold a candle to Jonathan’s .
To deal with the meal situation and keep herself occupied , Teresa found a job . After the short holiday , she would start working as a teacher at an elementary school . Luckily , she had earned a teaching certificate back in college .
Teresa hadn’t majored in education during university . The job was contract – based , meaning no permanent position or benefits , but she didn’t mind the modest salary of a few bucks a month .
Part of the reason she took the job was to keep herself busy and avoid boredom .
More importantly , Michael was old enough to start kindergarten . He often complained about being bored at home , and his eating habits needed attention . This job seemed like the perfect solution .
The elementary school was conveniently located right across from a government- affiliated kindergarten . Michael could have lunch there with other kids , which would definitely be more fun for him . With him nearby , Teresa could feel at ease .
Teresa hadn’t told Michael yet . Michael still didn’t know that she was planning to send him to preschool soon .
“ Mom , look . I’m all ready . ” Michael beamed , his voice full of excitement . He was already dressed in his travel outfit , complete with a little hat , and was pushing a small black suitcase like a seasoned traveler .
Teresa was also busy packing her things , making sure to include her makeup and other essentials . They were almost ready to head out .
“ Mom . Mom , ” Michael came bounding over , waving a crumpled piece of paper like it was a treasure . “ Look , it says ‘ hospital ‘. Are you sick ? Is it bad ? ”
Teresa froze for a moment when she saw the paper . It was the ultrasound report from her prenatal checkup , which she had stuffed into her coat pocket earlier . She had taken it out and left it on the table , not expecting Michael to find it .
“ Oh , it’s nothing serious , Teresa said quickly , scrambling for an explanation . She wasn ‘ t ready to tell Michael about her pregnancy yet .
If Michael found out she was pre
Successfully
safully unlocked say something like , “ Mom , you’re having a baby ? Then let’s not go on the trip . We can just stay home and play . ”
But that wasn’t what Teresa wanted . She didn’t want her pregnancy to take away the joy and experiences that Michael deserved to have .
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“ I’m not sick at all ,” she said with a reassuring smile , “ I just went to grab some vitamins and calcium tablets , and the doctor needed my ID for the form . ”
“ Really ? ” Michael asked , still a little skeptical . He pointed to the shadowy image on the ultrasound . “ But what’s this dark , squiggly thing , Mom ? ”
“ Uh … ” Teresa furrowed her brows , thinking quickly . “ Oh , that’s a black hole . ”
“ Wow , a black hole . I didn’t know they looked like this . ” Michael exclaimed , his eyes . lighting up with wonder . He pointed to an even darker spot on the image . “ Look , the black hole has a hole in it . ”
Teresa couldn’t help but smile . She didn’t want to ruin his fun . It was the gestational sac , but to Michael , it might as well be a portal to another world .
“ Alright , I’ve finished packing too . Let’s head to the airport . ” Teresa said , steering the conversation back to their trip .
“ Mom , we’ll get the scooter after we’re back home , right ? ”
“ Yeah . ”
And with that , they headed to the airport .
After landing in Silvar, their first stop was Cartoon Town , Michael was bursting with excitement , chattering non – stop . But when he saw families with both parents traveling together , he suddenly went quiet .
“ Daddy , I’m tired . Carry me ! ” A child walking ahead of Michael whined to his father , his tone full of playful entitlement .
Michael watched as the boy’s dad effortlessly lifted him onto his shoulders , the child giggling happily . Michael’s lips pressed into a pout , his little face clouded with disappointment . For a moment , he imagined Jonathan doing the same for him .
He turned to Teresa , hesitating for a moment as if wanting her to carry him . But when he noticed how tired she looked , he softened his voice and said , “ Mom , you look so tired . Let’s take a break . ”
“ Alright , sweetie . Let’s find a spot to rest , ” Teresa agreed , her exhaustion evident . Being pregnant and walking so much had clearly taken its toll .
They had originally planned to visit many places , but it wasn’t going to happen . Michael’s energy seemed endless , but Teresa was already out of breath . Pregnant and unable to walk quickly , she decided to call it a day as the sky darkened .
Teresa pressed the button for their suite at the hotel and finally let out a sigh of relief . It had been ages since her last trip , and she had been feeling more drained than usual lately .
Michael clung to Teresa’s leg , his energy seemingly endless . “ Mom , where are we going to play tomorrow ? ” he asked eagerly .
“ We’ll decide tomorrow , ” Teresa said with a helpless smile . “ Let’s see what time we
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wake up first . ”
“ I can wake up at seven ! ” Michael declared proudly .
“ Alright , alright , you’re the best ,” Teresa replied , her tone full of affection .
The elevator doors opened with a soft chime , and Teresa held Michael’s hand as they stepped inside . Just as the doors were closing , a man in a sharp black suit entered the hotel lobby . Behind him , the lobby manager followed closely , pushing a luggage cart .
“ Mr. Lynn , we’ve reserved our finest suite for you . You can rest assured about the accommodations ,” the manager said politely , gesturing toward the elevator .
After leaving Lonisburg , Jonathan had come straight to Silvar for work . He was here on a two – day business trip .
Accompanied by the hotel manager , Jonathan stepped into the elevator . He suddenly frowned , glancing around because he somehow smelled Teresa .
A small white sneaker caught his attention . Jonathan bent down , picked it up , and examined it .
The manager beside him remarked , “ Looks like a kid lost their shoe . The parents must ve been careless .”
Jonathan didn’t think much of it . “ Please drop this off at the front desk . The parents will probably come looking for it . ”
“ Of course , Mr. Lynn , ” the manager replied .
The elevator stopped at the top floor of the hotel , and Jonathan stepped out .
Teresa was staying in a room several floors below Jonathan . After returning to the room with Michael , she realized his shoe was missing . Michael hadn’t even noticed . He had been wearing it when they entered the hotel .
It must have fallen off in the elevator . Teresa went back to the elevator area to search
for it but couldn’t find it .
She took the elevator down to the front desk and anxiously asked the receptionist .
The receptionist said , “ A gentleman found a child’s shoe and brought it over . Is this the white sneaker you’re looking for ? ”
“ Yes , that’s my son’s shoe . Thank you so much ! ” Teresa said gratefully .
“ You’re welcome ,” the receptionist replied .
Teresa returned to the room , handed the shoe to Michael , and reminded him to be more careful when walking ..
Suddenly , Michael leaned in and sniffed at her like a curious puppy . “ Mom , you smell
like Mr. Lime .”