Chapter 274

Michael was finally feeling better, his stomach troubles a distant memory. Teresa decided it was time for a few days of fun. She had been diligently practicing her cooking, but her dishes still paled in comparison to Jonathan's. To occupy her time and address the meal situation, Teresa found a job. She would start teaching at an elementary school after their short holiday; luckily, she had earned her teaching certificate in college. She hadn't majored in education, and the job was contract-based, offering no permanent position or benefits, but she didn't mind the modest salary.

Part of her motivation was to stave off boredom. More importantly, Michael was old enough for kindergarten. He often complained of boredom at home, and his eating habits needed improvement. This job seemed ideal. The elementary school was conveniently located across from a government-affiliated kindergarten. Michael could have lunch there with other children, which would undoubtedly be more enjoyable for him, and its proximity would ease Teresa's mind.

Teresa hadn't told Michael about her plans to enroll him in preschool.

“Mom, look! I’m all ready,” Michael beamed, his voice brimming with excitement. He was already dressed in his travel outfit, complete with a little hat, and was pushing a small black suitcase like a seasoned traveler.

Teresa was also busy packing, ensuring she included her makeup and other essentials. They were almost ready to leave.

“Mom! Mom!” Michael bounded over, waving a crumpled piece of paper like a treasure. “Look, it says ‘hospital.’ Are you sick? Is it bad?”

Teresa froze. It was the ultrasound report from her prenatal checkup, which she had tucked into her coat pocket. She had left it on the table, not expecting Michael to find it.

“Oh, it’s nothing serious,” Teresa said quickly, scrambling for an explanation. She wasn’t ready to tell Michael about her pregnancy. She had imagined Michael reacting by saying, “Mom, you’re having a baby? Then let’s not go on the trip. We can just stay home and play.” But that wasn't what Teresa wanted. She didn't want her pregnancy to diminish the joy and experiences Michael deserved.

“I’m not sick at all,” she said with a reassuring smile. “I just went to get some vitamins and calcium tablets, and the doctor needed my ID for the form.”

“Really?” Michael asked, still a little skeptical. He pointed to the shadowy image on the ultrasound. “But what’s this dark, squiggly thing, Mom?”

“Uh…” Teresa furrowed her brows, thinking quickly. “Oh, that’s a black hole.”

“Wow, a black hole! I didn’t know they looked like this,” Michael exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with wonder. He pointed to an even darker spot. “Look, the black hole has a hole in it!”

Teresa smiled. She didn't want to spoil his fun. It was the gestational sac, but to Michael, it might as well have been a portal to another world.

“Alright, I’ve finished packing too. Let’s head to the airport,” Teresa said, redirecting the conversation.

“Mom, we’ll get the scooter after we’re back home, right?”

“Yeah.”

And with that, they headed to the airport.

After landing in Silvar, their first stop was Cartoon Town. Michael was bursting with excitement, chattering incessantly. But when he saw families with both parents traveling together, he suddenly fell silent.

“Daddy, I’m tired. Carry me!” A child ahead of Michael whined to his father, his tone playfully entitled.

Michael watched as the boy’s father effortlessly lifted him onto his shoulders, the child giggling happily. Michael’s lips pressed into a pout, his face clouded with disappointment. For a moment, he imagined Jonathan doing the same for him.

He turned to Teresa, hesitating as if wanting to be carried. But noticing how tired she looked, he softened his voice and said, “Mom, you look so tired. Let’s take a break.”

“Alright, sweetie. Let’s find a spot to rest,” Teresa agreed, her exhaustion evident. Being pregnant and walking so much had taken its toll.

They had originally planned to visit many places, but that wasn't going to happen. Michael’s energy seemed boundless, but Teresa was already breathless. Pregnant and unable to walk quickly, she decided to call it a day as the sky darkened.

Teresa pressed the button for their hotel suite and finally let out a sigh of relief. It had been ages since her last trip, and she had been feeling more drained than usual lately.

Michael clung to Teresa’s leg, his energy seemingly inexhaustible. “Mom, where are we going to play tomorrow?” he asked eagerly.

“We’ll decide tomorrow,” Teresa said with a helpless smile. “Let’s see what time we wake up first.”

“I can wake up at seven!” Michael declared proudly.

“Alright, alright, you’re the best,” Teresa replied affectionately.

The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, and Teresa held Michael’s hand as they stepped inside. Just as the doors were closing, a man in a sharp black suit entered the hotel lobby, followed closely by the lobby manager pushing a luggage cart.

“Mr. Lynn, we’ve reserved our finest suite for you. You can rest assured about the accommodations,” the manager said politely, gesturing toward the elevator.

After leaving Lonisburg, Jonathan had come straight to Silvar for work—a two-day business trip.

Accompanied by the hotel manager, Jonathan stepped into the elevator. He suddenly frowned, glancing around; he somehow smelled Teresa.

A small white sneaker caught his attention. Jonathan bent down, picked it up, and examined it.

The manager beside him remarked, “Looks like a kid lost their shoe. The parents must have been careless.”

Jonathan didn’t think much of it. “Please drop this off at the front desk. The parents will probably come looking for it.”

“Of course, Mr. Lynn,” the manager replied.

The elevator stopped at the top floor, and Jonathan stepped out. Teresa was staying several floors below. After returning to their room with Michael, she realized his shoe was missing—he had been wearing it when they entered the hotel. It must have fallen off in the elevator. Teresa returned to the elevator area to search for it but couldn’t find it.

She took the elevator down to the front desk and anxiously asked the receptionist.

The receptionist said, “A gentleman found a child’s shoe and brought it over. Is this the white sneaker you’re looking for?”

“Yes, that’s my son’s shoe. Thank you so much!” Teresa said gratefully.

“You’re welcome,” the receptionist replied.

Teresa returned to the room, handed the shoe to Michael, and reminded him to be more careful when walking.

Suddenly, Michael leaned in and sniffed at her like a curious puppy. “Mom, you smell like Mr. Lime.”