Page 44 of She's perfect for Daddy

“What?”

Mary went over to the table and picked up the sheet, showing it to me. In the childish drawing, which bore little resemblance to the real image, I recognized two smaller girls, a larger man and a woman.

“Who is that?” I ventured to ask.

“Helena.”

“Your teacher?”

“They shook their heads together.”

“Why did you draw it with me?”

“She could be our mother,” Mary said openly, and I was surprised at the thought.

“Ah, children...” I scowled and bent down again so that my eyes were level with theirs. “She's your teacher at school, and she can't be your mother.”

“What?”

“Because your mother is in heaven.”

“She'snot coming back.”Mary seemed to get annoyed with me.

“Unfortunately, not.” They weren't the only ones who were bothered by the situation. I would do something if I could, but I didn't know of any court capable of reversing death.

“So I want otla.” Anne beeped.

“That's not how it works.”

“What?”

“A mother is the one who puts us into the world and cannot be replaced; there is only one, and yours has gone to heaven.”

“Luke wins other. He's even going to beyour little brother.”

“Has his father remarried?”

“Yes,” replied Mary.

“Youcan.”

“It's complicated...”

They stared at me, waiting for something better than that simple sentence, but how could I make them understand my situation if I wasn't even capable of it?

“Sir,” called the nanny, and I was forced to turn around to pay attention to her, relieved that the subject had been interrupted, at least for the time being.

“Hi.”

“Can I go now, or do you need me to stay longer?”

“Go ahead.”

“Thank you. See you tomorrow!”

“Until.”

“Bye, girls.” She waved to the twins, who waved back.

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