Chapter 1341

“Be careful,” Roxanne murmured, her cheeks flushing at the memory of a previous mishap. The three children, without looking back, waved and dashed toward the waves. Roxanne quickened her pace, keeping up with them.

“Mommy, you’re so pretty!” Estella exclaimed, grabbing Roxanne’s hand and snuggling close. Her little face beamed. Their last visit to the hot springs resort had coincided with a fireworks display, overcrowding the beach and preventing the children from properly enjoying it.

Now, a tranquil calm enveloped them, broken only by the rhythmic crash of waves. Despite their boundless energy, the children seemed soothed by the ocean's gentle sway. Roxanne patted their heads. “It’s so quiet here, not many people. That’s why I come often.” She glanced around, still slightly apprehensive. Taking Estella’s hand, she said to Archie and Benny, “I’m taking you somewhere.”

The boys immediately followed, their mother’s guidance unquestioned. A long walk later, they arrived at a lighthouse and a lengthy wooden deck overlooking the sea. The majestic blue lighthouse stood tall against a backdrop of turquoise water; a nearby windmill turned slowly and gracefully, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale.

The children were mesmerized. “This is totally different from the other beach!”

“Go ahead and enjoy!” Roxanne beamed, delighted by their reaction.

At her encouragement, Estella scampered toward the sea. “Archie, Benny, come on!”

“Run, Essie! We’re going to catch you!” her brothers called, chasing after her across the deck.

Roxanne leaned against the railing, watching their happy game, instinctively taking out her phone to capture the moment. She had missed so much of Estella’s development—her first babbles, her unsteady first steps. Yet, she was profoundly grateful to have been there for Estella when she needed her most, to have offered support and accepted the child’s dependence. The thought of Estella’s autism persisting without her intervention filled her with self-reproach. Naturally, she was most concerned about Estella. Even as she photographed all three children, Estella dominated most of her shots.

From now on, she vowed, she would never miss another moment.

Tired from their run, the children returned to find Roxanne still in the same spot, photographing them.

“Mommy, what are you looking at?” they asked, huddling close, peering at her phone screen.

Roxanne smiled, crouching down to show them the photos. “There are so many pictures of Essie!”

Benny puffed out his cheeks. “Mommy, are you favoring Essie? It’s so obvious!”

Roxanne was taken aback. She had simply wanted to capture their joy; she hadn’t noticed her focus. Yet, reviewing the photos, she saw that Estella did indeed feature prominently.