Teresa shook off Jonathan’s hand. “What’s gotten into you?”

Startled, Jonathan quickly sobered, remembering their divorce. He had somehow fallen asleep; despite the uncomfortable theater seats, he’d slept deeply and peacefully.

“I’m sorry,” Jonathan apologized.

Teresa bent down and quickly picked Michael up. “We’re leaving.”

“I’ll drive you,” Jonathan offered.

“No need. My car’s downstairs,” Teresa replied, rejecting his offer.

She left in a hurry. Luckily, the elevator doors opened as they exited the cinema. She stepped inside with Michael, exhaling in relief as the doors slid shut.

Michael, still surprised, tugged Teresa’s sleeve. “Mommy, Mr. Lime called you his wife.”

“He got it wrong. How could I possibly be his wife?” Teresa asked.

“But—” Michael began.

“Enough, we’ll talk about it when we get home,” Teresa interrupted.

She hurried back to Rosary Estates. The warmth of the heating enveloped them upon their arrival. She helped Michael out of his coat and gently urged him to drink some water.

Michael tugged at her arm. “Mommy, could Mr. Lime’s crush be you?”

Her hands, busy unzipping his coat, froze. “What nonsense are you spouting now?”

Michael explained, “Mr. Lime told me he likes someone. He said she’s a stunning beauty; and I think that someone is you, my beautiful mommy.”

Teresa denied it. “He’s got plenty of pretty girls around him. Do you see me meeting him often? We don’t even stay in touch. How could he possibly like me?”

Michael snorted. “When we were watching the movie today, I tried to switch seats, but Mr. Lime wouldn’t let me. I saw the way he looked at you. His eyes were sparkling like stars.”

“I saw it on TV. People’s eyes only sparkle like that when they’re looking at someone they like, so I think Mr. Lime has a crush on you,” he continued.

“Is he Iron Man? Does he shoot beams from his eyes?” Teresa retorted.

“Well, I’m calling Mr. Lime,” Michael said, reaching for Teresa. “Give me back my phone. I need to ask Mr. Lime if he likes you or not.”

“That’s enough, Michael,” Teresa said sternly. “I’m going to get angry.”

Michael straightened. “Why would you get angry? Mr. Lime’s handsome and rich. If he likes you, wouldn’t that be good for you?”

“I don’t like him, and he doesn’t like me either. He called me ‘wife’ today because we were married briefly. As I’ve told you, your real father’s old and ugly; and I didn’t want him anymore. So, now, it’s just you and me. As for Mr. Lime, he’s not your father—he never was and never will be. One day, he’ll marry another woman and have children with her; and none of that will have anything to do with us. Do you understand, Michael?” Teresa said, tears welling up.

Michael, having never seen Teresa cry like that, cried out in panic, “Mommy!”

Teresa hastily wiped away her tears. “I’m a little tired. I’m going to go rest in my room.”

She turned and went to her room, but the tears started flowing again. She began to blame everyone, including herself. ‘Why did Jonathan have to return to Nareigh? Why do I keep letting my guard down and getting tangled up with him? Why did I let Michael spend a few days with him? Why is it so hard just to spend some quality time with Michael?’ she pondered.

Her life had been calm after the divorce, no matter how tough things were. But now that Jonathan had returned, everything was in a mess. Worse, Michael adored and trusted him completely, singing his praises at every turn.

Perhaps what one feared losing most was exactly what they were destined to lose. Growing up starved of love, Teresa didn’t know how to give Michael the best.