Page 229 of His Sunshine Baby

And Moon Goddess, she’s so beautiful. Elena’s sitting up, in a hospital gown, Estelle right next to her on the bed. Her hair is brushed compared to yesterday, and she looks a bit healthier too, despite the dressings on her head and her arm in a sling. Her face has better colors, and her eyes are open.

Open and looking right at me.

“… Hi,” I finally manage to blurt out.

“Hi, Nate.”

The simple fact that she uses my nickname means the world to me. I walk a bit closer, and Estelle, unaware of that atmosphere between us, smiles at me. Elena caresses her hair, and I can finally see how alike they are.

“Thank you for taking care of her,” Elena says.

“I should be the one to say that.”

I smile a bit, she knows what I mean by those words. I know, I know she’s my daughter, and she had to raise her alone.

“… It’s okay.”

“It’s not okay, Elena. I’m sorry.”

“I don’t need an apology.”

“I’m really sorry.”

She glares at me, a bit annoyed, but I need to say it. I need to lift that weight off my heart, even if it’s just a little.

“Things shouldn’t have turned out the way they did. I should have believed you, I should have helped you from the start.”

“Nathaniel, I really don’t want to hear this right now. Honestly, I’m just glad we are both fine, okay? I don’t… I’m not in the mood to have that conversation now. Really.”

Her last words sound a bit annoyed, and I realize. It’s maybe a bit too… early for that. I nod, and Elena turns to Estelle again.

“You’ve been a good girl with Auntie Nora and Daddy, my baby star?”

“Yes! And Auntie Nora made us magic cakes this morning!”

“You slept at Auntie Nora’s?”

While she tells her mom all about last night, I grab a chair and sit next to them, unable to take that stupid smile off my face now. I’m just an idiot, happy to be with these two. I feel a bit relieved, though I know we still need to have the talk later. I’m just glad she didn’t refuse to see me, cursed at me, or kicked me out. It could have been way worse.

“Mommy, are you coming to sleep at Auntie Nora’s home?” asks Estelle.

“No, baby star, I need to stay in the hospital. Mommy is still very tired, okay?”

“Okay. But Auntie Nora said I can’t sleep with you.”

“Yes, but you can sleep at Auntie Nora’s house for now, okay?”

“Actually…”

I hesitate, but I really need to ask.

“I was thinking… I mean, Estelle was also asking if she could sleep at my place.”

To my surprise, Elena nods.

“Sure.”

“Really?”

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