Chapter 339

Miriam was about to run after Benny when she noticed Teresa sitting on the steps, holding her stomach. She asked, “Teresa, are you okay? Did you get a stitch?”

Teresa frowned. “Maybe,” she said. After Jennifer’s sudden visit a couple of days ago and Irene’s trip all the way to Everport, her mood was truly awful.

Miriam said, “Maybe you just need some rest. I’ll go grab you a bottle of water. Wait here.”

Miriam jogged off, while Teresa took slow, deep breaths. The breeze felt wonderful. June in Everport wasn’t too hot; the summer heat didn’t arrive until July or August. The distant view was stunning: all trees and hills. Nature was the best healer.

Little by little, Teresa’s stomach pain subsided. Soon, Miriam returned with a bottle of water.

Teresa said, “I feel much better now, Miriam. Go check on Benny. What is he doing with Michael?”

Miriam said, “Alright. You’re really okay? I’ll go see what they’re doing.” After that, Miriam ran off again.

Teresa had originally planned to pray for herself at the church. But right now, all she could think about was her children. She didn't want them, including Michael, to get hurt. She prayed for both her children.

Here, people liked to tie red ribbons to the tree branches, writing the names of loved ones on them. As Teresa tied a red ribbon to a branch, she didn’t notice another red ribbon fluttering nearby, right next to the large tree. The name Jonathan was written at the bottom.

Benny had gone up to a small supermarket on the mountain and returned with lollipops, ice cream, and all sorts of tasty snacks, all for Michael.

Benny asked, “Mike, I’ve got a super serious question for you. Can you answer it?” Benny put both hands on Michael’s tiny shoulders.

Michael munched on his ice cream and said in an adorable voice, “Bunny, if you play a game with me, I’ll tell you!”

Benny said, “But I don’t know anything about games. I just want to ask if your mom is Teresa.”

Michael suddenly stopped licking his ice cream and looked at Benny warily. “Bunny, why are you asking me this?”

Benny could clearly see how guarded the little guy was. He thought it was getting more and more interesting; his curiosity was practically bursting. It was like he was about to clear the final level, and the finish line was right ahead.

“Don’t be scared,” Benny leaned in and whispered to Michael, “Just tell me, is your mom Teresa? I promise I won’t tell anyone.”

The little guy said, “Ms. Johnston isn’t my mom.”

Benny deliberately put on a stern face. “Hey, kids don’t lie. You should be honest, just like me. I’ve always been honest since I was little. That’s how you grow up to be someone great.”

Miriam rushed over just in time. She scooped Michael up and glared at Benny. “Benny! What the hell! What are you doing? What are you saying to the kid?”

Benny stood up, looking frustrated, and stared at Miriam. He said, “Just tell me the truth. Is this kid Teresa’s or not? I swear to God I won’t tell anyone else.”

“Will you give it a rest? Teresa’s got a stomachache, and you’re still here saying meaningless stuff.”

Benny asked, “What? What happened to Teresa?”

Benny and Miriam hurried back, but Teresa was already feeling much better. Her stomach didn’t hurt anymore; it was just a stitch from walking too fast. She even bought sachets stuffed with fragrant herbs for Miriam and Benny.

Michael ran over to Teresa. She tied a sachet to his pocket.

Benny said, “What about Jonathan? Didn’t you get one for him?” He kept staring at Teresa and Michael. His suspicions only grew stronger.

Teresa shot Benny an annoyed look. “He’s not getting one.”

Michael immediately dug into his pocket and pulled out the sachet. “Give mine to Mr. Lime!”

Teresa was speechless. In a huff, she tossed the blue sachet she had hidden in her pocket at Benny. She said, “Here, take it. Don’t tell him I bought it. Just tell him you bought it.”

Benny couldn’t help but laugh. “You two are hilarious. I asked him if he wanted to come to South Mountain with us. He said no. I told him you’d be there, still no. But he asked me to give you and Miriam a ride.”

But Teresa and Miriam didn’t even bother talking to Benny. They just walked away with Michael.

Benny was speechless. He hurriedly caught up with the two women and the child. The way down the mountain was much easier. Benny tried to scoop Michael up, but the kid was bouncing and jumping, more energetic than anyone.

Michael shouted, “Bunny, let’s have a game! See who’s faster!”

Benny’s eyes lit up—he loved a good race. He said, “Alright!”

Michael said, looking absolutely adorable, “But you can’t use your scooter! That’s cheating!”

Benny laughed, “I’ll ask my dad to change my name to Benny Bunny. No scooter for me then!”

As Benny and Michael raced down the mountain, Benny glanced back at Teresa and Miriam, noticing that they hadn’t caught up. He said, “Hey, little bun, tell me who your mom and dad are.”

Michael replied, “Bunny, I don’t know who my mom and dad are.”

Benny clicked his tongue, amazed that the kid was cleverly dodging the question. How funny!

Benny asked, “So, who do you usually call Mom and Dad? They are your parents.”

Michael puffed up his cheeks, looking a little sad. “I wish Mr. Lime were my dad, but he’s not. My mom, she…”

Before he could finish, Teresa and Miriam had already caught up with them.

Chapter 339

Benny didn’t get the answers he was hoping for. He whistled, “I’ll go get the car. Wait here for me.”

After Benny went to get the car, Teresa found a cab on an app and left with Miriam and the child. Miriam texted Benny: [Teresa and I are heading to the supermarket. No need to give us a ride.]

In the cab, Teresa decided she wanted to stop by the hospital. She had a stomachache earlier and was a bit worried, so she wanted to see a doctor.

When they were close to the hospital, Teresa made up an excuse and got out of the car. Michael, who’d been asleep, opened his eyes just in time to see Teresa getting out of the car, leaving him behind.

He shouted, “Mom! Mom!” He scrambled out of the car and ran after Teresa. “Mom, where are you going? Take me with you!”

Miriam followed behind the child, sighing, “He just has to be with you. As soon as he woke up and saw you were leaving, he started shouting to get out of the car.”

Teresa explained, “Last time, when I thought you had a car accident and left him at a former coworker’s place, it really scared him.”

Just as Teresa finished speaking, a black sedan brushed past her. The man inside happened to hear Michael calling her “Mom.”