Moreover, she knew well that there was no love between McNeil and his subsequent wife, who had been sleeping in separate beds for years.
Even so, there was no way to erase the pain he had inflicted upon her mother. He had betrayed her, disbelieving her innocence, and forcing her mother to flee and live as a refugee for many years.
But Berthaâs words from earlier stung Ellinor. When it came to matters of the heart, it wasnât about whether outsiders deemed it worthwhile, but whether the person involved believed it was worth it!
Just like how she waited for Theo these past three years. Everyone around her thought it was a waste and considered her foolish, but she never wavered. Ellinor was deep in thought for a long time, so much so that by the time she snapped back to reality, Bertha had already finished buying breakfast!
âEllinor, they only had one type of bagel here. I got some for you and your kid. You should be able to eat this, right?â
Ellinor nodded, âThank you, Bertha.â
Bertha smiled, âWhatâs there to thank me for; itâs not like itâs a gourmet meal! Letâs go back;your mom should be awake by now, and we can have breakfast together! Seeing you will probably lift her spirits!
After her nightmare, sheâs been mentioning you a lot, but she didnât want to disturb your sleep so she refrained from calling!â
Ellinor smiled sincerely at Bertha and said, âBertha, thank you. Youâve been such a good friend to my mom. These years, without you by her side, taking care of her, I canât imagine how difficult it wouldâve been for her alone.â
Bertha, holding the bag of bagels, patted her arm, âSilly girl! Companionship is mutual. You only see me taking care of your mom now that sheâs hurt, but you didnât see how your mom supported and encouraged me when I was down and out! This is the least I could do.â
Ellinor looked at Bertha, deeply moved, feeling genuinely lucky that her mom had such a friend. It was truly precious.
âAlright, letâs go! Your boy looks hungry too; his eyes are gleaming at the sight of my bagels!â
Bertha teased Baber, who was in Ellinorâs arms.
Baber was indeed staring at the bagels because he had caught the scent earlier. He was hungry and eager to eat.
Caught red-handed, he bashfully buried his face into Ellinorâs shoulder, too shy to make eye contact!
Their antics made Bertha chuckle, while Ellinor ruffled her sonâs hair.
âSilly, Bertha got some for you. Weâll eat soon okay?â
Baber clung tighter, too shy to speak, and Ellinor didnât push him to say thanks. However, she was still preoccupied with her thoughts about her mom and McNeil, and Berthaâs earlier words.
âBertha, do you think thereâs been a misunderstanding between my mom and McNeil, and thereâs room for reconciliation? Do you hope I can help them clear the misunderstanding and mend their relationship?â
Bertha replied, âEllinor, I just want your mom to be as happy as when I first met her. Itâs been a long time since Iâve seen her genuinely smile. Thereâs only so much I can say or do. Youâre her beloved and cherished daughter, she will accept and listen to you unconditionally. I hope you can help her let go of the past. Regardless of whether sheâs willing to accept your father again, all I want is for her to be happy. Truly happy.â