When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 92

Lately, though…

Sheila couldn’t stop thinking about what Alan had said. Today, Brody was supposed to go with Nelly to sign the papers. After dinner, Sheila brought Carrie into the kitchen and made her a glass of homemade milkshake. Nelly never let Carrie have stuff like that, especially at night. But Sheila’s milkshake tasted even better than the ones at the café, sweet and creamy, and Carrie was over the moon.

“Do you like it?”

Sheila smiled, watching Carrie’s face light up with pure happiness.

Carrie nodded enthusiastically. “Ms. Olson, this is the best milkshake ever! I want to drink it every single day!”

“You can, sweetheart. Whenever you want it, I’ll make it for you.”

Sheila’s eyes shimmered as she knelt down, pulling Carrie gently into a hug.

“Carrie, remember when you said you wanted me to be your mom? Did you really mean that?”

Sheila’s voice was soft and warm, her eyes full of hope as she looked at Carrie.

Carrie stopped sipping her milkshake and went quiet for a moment before answering, “Of course I meant it…”

She really had thought about it, having Ms. Olson as her mom. Ms. Olson was so amazing, so kind. Being around her always made everything feel brighter. Sometimes Carrie wished it could just be her, Daddy, and Ms. Olson together, forever.

But wishing for something and actually making it happen were two totally different things. The idea that her mom might just leave her felt scary and uncertain.

“What’s wrong, honey? If something’s on your mind, you can tell me.”

Sheila could see Carrie was torn, so she softened her voice even more, gently stroking Carrie’s hair.

Ever since Carrie had been in the hospital, she seemed changed. She was still cheerful and happy to see Sheila, but she didn’t cling to her like before.

Carrie shook her head. “I do want you to be my mom, but… what about my real mom?”

Sheila’s eyes darkened just a little, then she smiled again. “She’s still your mom, Carrie. That doesn’t change. But you get to choose which mom you want to live with, which mom lives with Daddy and you.”

Carrie didn’t say anything, so Sheila went on. “These last few days, while your mom’s been gone, it’s been me taking care of you, right?”

At that, something flared inside Carrie and she nodded, a little upset.

“I even went to your competition with you, even though I was hurt.”

“I promise I’ll love you and take care of you even better than your mom.”

“Because I know you can’t stand the thought of not having me around, can you?”

Carrie’s eyes filled with emotion, and she nodded. It was true. She couldn’t imagine not having Ms. Olson in her life. All the things she loved most, all her favorite foods and games, were thanks to Ms. Olson. Without her, she’d be so sad.

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