Ellinor was abruptly nudged awake, and she ran her fingers through her tousled hair.
Belinda gently shook her. âWake up. Iâm waiting for you. Hurry up and freshen up.â
Ellinor deeply regretted her offhand agreement a few days ago to see a psychiatrist with Belinda.
Reluctantly, she got out of bed and headed for the bathroom.
Once she was showered and dressed, she followed Belinda downstairs.
The evening before, Veronica had taken care of the three kids, and now she was already up and waiting for breakfast with them.
Over the past few days, Veronica had been understanding of her sister-in-lawâs struggles, stepping in to help with the kids whenever she had time. Ellinor was thankful for the extra help.
Waving to the kids, Ellinor called out, âBaber, Adrian, Layla! Letâs go; weâre eating out for breakfast today.â
Belinda grabbed Ellinorâs arm. âHold on! If you take the kids with you, we wonât have the chance to talk properly. Veronica said sheâd take care of them today. Right, Veronica?â
Veronica, aware of Belindaâs intent to take Ellinor to the psychiatrist, nodded in agreement. âYes!
Ellinor, you can go on with Belinda without worrying about the kids. Theyâre in good hands.â
Ellinor frowned. âWhatâs the point if I donât take the kids with me?â
With that, she picked up the quiet Adrian and pondered something for a moment.
Taking all three kids to the psychiatristâs office would indeed be inconvenient.
âAlright then. Veronica, look after Baber and Layla for me. Donât take them out until I get back, okay?â
Veronica and Belinda exchanged glances and then nodded. âSure, Ellinor. Weâll take care of Baber and Layla. We wonât take them out.â
Ellinor trusted Veronica. She was more reliable now than before, and she cared about the kidsâ safety just as much as Ellinor did.
After giving a few more instructions to Veronica, Ellinor, carrying Adrian, prepared to leave with Belinda.
As she turned, a small hand tugged at her dress. It was her daughter, Layla.
with you too.â
Layla looked up at Ellinor with big, watery eyes. âMommy, why are you only taking Adrian with you?
Baber and I want to go Ellinor gently replied, âSweetie, Mommy isnât going out to play. Iâm taking Adrian to see the doctor. You and Baber need to stay home and listen to Aunt Veronica. Mommy will bring back toys for you, okay?â
Layla pouted slightly while looking at âAdrianâ in her motherâs arms. âMommy, whatâs wrong with Adrian? Why does he need to see the doctor?â
Ellinor gently patted her daughterâs head. âDonât worry, honey. Adrian is fine. Mommy is just taking him for a check-up.â
After a moment, Layla reluctantly let go. âOkay⦠but you have to come back soon, Mommy!â
âSure!â
After soothing Layla, Ellinor reminded Baber to listen to Aunt Veronica and to play nicely with his sister.
Baber, always obedient, nodded and waved goodbye to his mother.
Once they left the Blanchet Villa, Ellinor and âAdrianâ got into Belindaâs car. Belinda handed Ellinor a breakfast sandwich from a fast-food restaurant. âHere. You and Adrian should have something to eat before we get there. When we arrive at my friendâs place, Iâll have them prepare something delicious for us.â
Ellinor wasnât particularly hungry but took the breakfast sandwich, handing it to Adrian, who was nestled in her arms,