The drawing was a Muntiet—a vase so realistic that it was hard to believe it was drawn by a two-year-old. Teresa listened as the teacher praised Michael’s drawing skills. “He’s a natural. Maybe you could sign him up for art classes,” the teacher suggested with a warm smile.

“Thanks, I’ll look into that,” Teresa responded, making a mental note. She had every intention of getting Michael into a class once her budget allowed.

She took Michael’s hand, and they walked out of the school together. As they strolled, Michael, looking a bit put out, said, “You’re late, Mommy. I’m starving.”

“Sorry, kiddo,” Teresa said, holding up a takeout box. “I brought us some barbecue ribs and fried shrimp. We’re having a treat tonight instead of the usual gruel.”

Michael’s eyes widened with delight. “Yay!” he exclaimed, practically bouncing in place.

In the parking lot, Teresa hit the unlock button on her keys, the sound echoing as she helped Michael into his car seat. Michael’s excitement filled the car as he looked around from the back seat. “Mommy, this car rocks! It’s so much nicer than the old one,” he said, his voice full of awe.

Teresa’s smile flickered, but she sidestepped mentioning that his dad had given it to them. In his childlike simplicity, Michael inquired, “What happened to our old buddy, Mommy?”

Teresa kept her answer straightforward. “It’s taking a break, sweetheart. We’re going to use the little red car now.”

Once they had secured their seatbelts and started the drive home, they reveled in the quiet companionship the trip provided. Once they arrived, Teresa presented a table of tasty dishes she’d picked up, along with her homemade gruel.

At the dinner table, Michael shared his idea. “You should find a rich dad for us, Mommy. Then we wouldn’t have to worry about money, and you could take it easy.”

Teresa let out a laugh and affectionately pinched her son’s cheek. “You’re so considerate, sweetheart. Don’t fret, we’ll manage just great.”

Michael’s eyes sparkled with an idea. “And you’re spending more time with me!”

“I’ll make sure of it,” Teresa promised, her voice steady.

After their meal, Teresa guided Michael’s small hands in making wreaths. “Who are these wreaths for, Mommy?” Michael asked, his fingers deftly weaving the greens.

“They’re for your great-grandparents. We’ll visit them soon,” Teresa replied softly.

Michael’s brow furrowed. “But why don’t they come to our house?”

Teresa’s hands paused mid-air. “They’re very old, buddy. They can’t walk very far,” she said, her voice tinged with emotion.

Michael’s face fell. “We should call them then. I want to talk to them!”

“Let’s do that,” Teresa agreed, her smile bittersweet as she pinched his cheek affectionately.

Exhausted from their wreath-making efforts, Michael conked out at the table, likely dreaming of his great-grandparents. Teresa tenderly carried her slumbering son to bed, tucking him in.

Teresa was packing up for the day when her phone buzzed with an incoming call. She pulled it out, surprised to see “Jonathan” pop up. They hadn’t spoken in ages. With a mix of curiosity and warmth, she answered, “Hello?”

“Hey, Teresa, it’s Jonathan,” came the response, the sound of an airport hubbub in the background. “I’ve been on a work trip and I’m now back in Nazrigh.”

Teresa got who she hadn't bumped into him around Nazrigh lately, yet she couldn't figure out the reason.

Jonathan got straight to the point. “The anniversary of your grandparents’ passing is in two days. I’ve got my assistant to prepare tributes, flowers, and wreaths. I was thinking we could go and honor their memory together. What do you think?”

Teresa mentioned, “I’ve made a few for the memorial.”

Jonathan’s expression brightened. “That’s really thoughtful,” he responded.

Teresa’s lips tightened. “I can manage the trip to the cemetery alone,” she insisted.

Jonathan stated a hint of unease in his tone. “I missed it last year, but I’d like to join this time. Despite our separation, you mean a lot to me,” he shared.

Teresa exhaled softly. “Fine. You do what you feel is right.”

She was considering taking Michael to pay respects to his great-grandparents.