Chapter 144

After sharing lunch together, Blossom headed back to school, and Elysia made her way home.

Once there, Elysia fired up Blossom’s laptop, coaxed the password out of her, and logged in. She furiously began scouring the internet for information on Elijah’s condition.

She just couldn’t shake her concern for him.

Was it because he bore such a striking resemblance to Evan, or was it something else?

Every time she thought about his current plight, her heart raced.

The boy was impulsive, even going as far as holding a fork to his own neck in a threat. It was a clear sign that suicidal thoughts were taking a stronger hold within him. If he didn’t get treatment soon, something terrible might happen.

She hoped to stabilize his condition before she left, if not fully cure him.

Sadly, despite her efforts from dawn till dusk, she couldn’t find a shred of useful information.

With Blossom and the kids due to return, Elysia shut down the laptop.

She stood up and headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

By the time the boys arrived home, Elysia had dinner ready and waiting.

The kids bubbled over with stories from preschool, each more excited than the last.

Their happiness was contagious.

“Do you guys like preschool?” she asked, “Yeah! The only bummer is that we can’t see Mommy all day. It’d be awesome if Mommy was at preschool too.”

Elysia playfully pinched Evan’s nose. “You go to preschool to learn. What would Mommy do there? The teachers wouldn’t want to teach Mommy?

“Mommy could be a teacher, like Blossom!”

“Not everyone can be a teacher at preschool like your Blossom.”

“Why not?”

“Because you need degrees and certificates to teach, and Mommy doesn’t have those.”

“Blossom has them?”

“Of course, she does. Otherwise, how could she work at the preschool!”

Evan and Emmett looked up to Blossom with admiration, chiming in unison, “Blossom is so brilliant!”

Blossom beamed as if she’d won the lottery–it was the first time anyone had called her brilliant!

“Keep it cool, kids. No biggie. I have plenty more cool things up her sleeve. Want to hear about my heroic deeds and my epic life?”

“Yeah! Tell us!”

Evan and Emmett were instantly captivated by Blossom, their eyes wide with anticipation.

So, Blossom found her moment and began to regale them with her tall tales.

Elliot, being more mature for his age, wasn’t as interested in Blossom’s ‘epic life. He turned to Elysia and asked, “Mommy, are you worried about something?”

‘Hmm?”

“You seem distracted, like you’re hiding something.”

With loving eyes, Elysia replied, “Elliot, you’re so observant. I do have something on my mind. Today, I met a little boy who looks a lot like you and Evan. He’s about your age, but he’s not happy at all.”

“Why not?”

“Because he doesn’t have a Mommy. He misses her so much it’s making him sick. He’s angry, irritable, withdrawn, and he even hurts himself.”

Elliot furrowed his brow, “Where’s his mommy?”

“I’m not sure. When I met him, I wanted to help, to see him happy like you boys. But he didn’t like strangers and pushed me away, so I couldn’t help him.”

10-00 “Is Mommy thinking about how to help him?”

“Yes, but I haven’t found the right way yet.”

“I have an idea”