Chapter 50

Calvin sat on the edge of the bed, hugging his favorite doll with a sour face. He looked up at his mother with eyes that were almost brimming with tears.  

"Mommy, where's Daddy? Why isn't Daddy here?" he whined in a small voice full of confusion.  

Celine, who was folding the blanket at the end of the bed, tried to put on a gentle smile. "Daddy went away for a while, dear. He bought some fruit for you. Calvin likes apples and oranges, doesn't he?"  

"But it took so long!" Calvin snorted. "I want Daddy now!"  

Celine came over, sat beside Calvin, and gently smoothed her son's hair. "Be patient, honey. Daddy will come back. Now, how about Calvin draw a picture first? Daddy will see the picture when he gets home."  

Calvin gave a small nod, though his face was still sullen. "But Mommy said Daddy won't leave again."  

Celine was silent for a moment. She knew this little lie wasn't a good sol