When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 38

Sheila could hear Carrie’s laughter from way down the hall. It sounded like everyone inside was having a great time. Still, seeing that crowd made Sheila hesitate at the door.

One of the parents standing just outside spotted her approaching. “Hi, can I help you? Are you here for Carrie?”

Carrie went to a fancy preschool, and most of her classmates had parents with impressive connections. But Carrie stood out even among them, being the daughter of Garland Inc.’s CEO. All the parents wanted their kids to be close to her, so Carrie was treated like a little princess, always surrounded and adored.

Sheila opened her mouth but wasn’t sure what to say.

Before Sheila could decide, a little voice from inside called out, “Carrie, I think your mom’s here!”

“Wow, your mom’s so pretty! She looks so young!”

The excitement sent the kids scrambling to the doorway. One little girl grabbed Sheila’s hand and led her straight into the room.

At first, Carrie’s eyes lit up when she heard her mom had arrived. But the second she saw it was Sheila, her face changed. Something sharp and angry twisted inside her. Nelly still wasn’t here. Even if she’d needed a break, she’d been gone way too long. She had to be doing this on purpose. She was just a useless, irresponsible mom.

Sheila tried to introduce herself. “Hi, are you all Carrie’s friends? I’m—”

“Mom! Why did you take so long? I’ve been waiting forever!” Carrie jumped in, cutting Sheila off.

She lifted her chin and shot a proud look at the other kids. “Did you know? My mom’s a comic artist. She’s the main illustrator for that big magazine. She’s really famous!”

Carrie never sounded this proud talking about Nelly. Sheila was the one she wanted as her mom. Sheila sparkled like Dad did, and she was always so good to her. If Sheila could stay close, Carrie felt like maybe she didn’t need Nelly at all.

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