When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 85

Carrie was already gazing at Sheila, her words modest but her tone unmistakably proud.

Nelly stood off to the side, hand tightening around her shopping bag as she watched. After a moment, she just turned and walked away.

Carrie wanted Sheila to be her mom, and Sheila clearly wanted to be a good one. Nelly figured there was no point getting involved or making things awkward for herself.

She hurried down the hall, only realizing she’d gone the wrong way when she reached the end.

Posters for the family activity day were plastered all over the walls. Every classroom doorway was crowded with parents and kids signing up, everyone buzzing with excitement.

But outside one classroom, a little girl stood alone, looking out of place without a parent by her side.

Nelly recognized her instantly.

“April?”

She called the girl’s name, and April turned toward her.

There was something about April’s face, so much like Finn’s, that always pulled at Nelly’s heart.

Nelly crouched down and offered the shopping bag she’d just bought for Carrie. “Look, I have all these snacks and treats. Want some?”

April remembered Nelly, especially the cute toy she’d given her at the hospital.

“Thank you, but I can’t take them. Mommy says I’m not allowed to have snacks.”

April’s eyes lingered on the candy and snacks in the bag, and she licked her lips. She didn’t seem as wary of Nelly as before, her voice soft and quiet.

“It’s okay, it’s just a little treat. I’ll talk to your mom for you. Where is she anyway?”

Nelly glanced around but didn’t see anyone who looked like April’s mom.

“My mom’s not here,” April replied.

“She hasn’t come to pick you up yet?” Nelly asked.

April shook her head. “I stay at school. Mommy only comes on weekends.”

That surprised Nelly. Not many kids stayed overnight at kindergarten, and April seemed so sensetive.

She’d seen how worried Victoria was about April at the hospital and had assumed she was always nearby.

“It’s fine, you can have them. I won’t tell your mom, I promise.”

Nelly smiled and made a playful shushing motion. April didn’t refuse this time.

She was clearly tempted. April rarely got snacks like these, always watching other kids have them.

Nelly gently patted her cheek and started to leave, but April tugged at her sleeve.

“What’s up?”

April glanced at the registration area, hesitated, then let go and shook her head.

“Do you want to join the family day?” Nelly asked, picking up on her thoughts. “Can’t your mom do it with you?”

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