Her Precious Baby

He glanced down, picked up a piece from the pile of blocks, and attached it to the tiny window ledge. It was a neat little addition.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a mother, Floretta. I love you all the same.”

Evander’s tone was solemn, but Floretta was thrilled by the addition to the window frame. He wondered if she had heard him.

Meanwhile, Angeline headed home after leaving Floretta and eased herself into a bath. She even set her tablet on a portable desk to watch “The Journey.”

She had been too busy shooting of late to have even seen her own show.

The highly anticipated series by the major media companies attracted heavy investment in the setting and costumes, making it a pleasure to watch.

In addition, the sequence was particularly aesthetic, with superb editing.

Just when she was getting into it, Angeline was alerted by a WhatsApp notification bell across her homepage.

Frowning, she opened the app and saw that it was Jonathan, who she had not contacted for a long time. He had sent several images.

Angeline suddenly froze when she loaded the file. She grew pale with fright.

It was a boy, of about five, with the most exquisite features she had ever seen. He was dressed in clothes adorned by patches that revealed scars of various sizes all over him.

Some of them were fresh wounds, and others were old. The sight of his skeletal figure looked especially forlorn.

Her heart raced when she realized what was happening. After struggling to regain her composure, she dialed his number.

As if awaiting her call, Jonathan picked up almost immediately.

success of your ventures of late, Ms. Sorelle. You’re doing well, I

is your purpose for sending me those

been a few days. Have you forgotten what your child looks like?” Jonathan’s voice dripped with mockery

Angeline felt

was the child I had lost all those years ago, I have neglected the child

“Speak your mind.”

this child must lead. His alcoholic father would take things out on him whenever he lost money gambling by beating and berating

grew deeply uneasy at those

are you now? I’m coming to you with the police,” she said desperately

the wounds

still not yet known to be a conspiracy. Besides, who knows what the good-for-nothing

calm at Jonathan’s words. Her gaze

eye out

grunt. Several moments later, he

have something to ask in return. Consider yourself warned.

“What—”

could ask further,

surfaced in her eyes. Though she was unclear about Jonathan’s motive, she knew it would not be

confirmed that Floretta is my daughter, any accident

the wounds all over the little boy, she felt a boulder weighing down

test is all it takes

spirits plummeted. Her back slid dejectedly down the side of the bath and into

been struck down by wave after wave of hardship quicker than I can cope with

firm and took careful aim. With a resounding thud, she sent

“Sublime golfing, Mrs. Yiurk.”