Scars Of A Broken Bond by Calv Momose

Sabrina walked in, slipped into her slippers, and settled onto the sofa.

Jennie trailed behind, a shadow of nerves, standing next to the couch, her hands tight, eyes cast downward in a mix of guilt and fear.

"Why didn't you go back with the driver? Why come here by yourself?" Sabrina's voice held a chill.

Tears welled up in Jennie's eyes, making them red and blurry. "I didn't want to go back," she murmured, her voice thick with sadness.

"And why's that?"

"Because... That lady picked me up from kindergarten, and everyone saw her. They started saying I was a child born out of wedlock..." Her tears spilled over, glistening on her cheeks like dewdrops.

With eyes brimming with tears and a look of timid hope, Jennie pleaded, "Please, Sabrina, don't dislike me. I'll do whatever you say. I won't upset you. I promise to be good..."

With that, Jennie burst into tears again.

Sabrina watched the frightened Jennie before her, so eager to be loved yet so scared of rejection. She felt a surge of remorse. How could she possibly feel anything but fondness for such a sweet and thoughtful child?

Jennie relied heavily on her. Sabrina couldn't bring herself to resent or leave Jennie behind. Jennie was blameless. She didn't get to pick her family.

Sabrina's grip on her thighs tightened a bit. She pulled Jennie closer and tenderly wiped away her tears. "Stop crying, Jennie. I don't dislike you."

Like a little cat, Jennie pawed at Sabrina's hand. With tears still in her eyes and a sniffly nose, she whimpered, "For real?'

"Yes, for real," Sabrina replied, her heart softening. "I'm upset with Tyrone, but you, I could never despise."

Sabrina's anger was directed at Tyrone for having a child with another woman, not at the child herself.

you're so nice!" Jennie hugged Sabrina tightly and wept. "I don't want to stay at Wanda's place. I want to stay with

so well-behaved and thoughtful, had never cried

she didn't give her consent. She could imagine Bettie's reaction

your dad and ask

course of action. If Jennie lived

you go back with me? That lady who picked me up from kindergarten can

right

confusion spreading across

with Tyrone, but there was more to it. "Your grandma is trying to set up your biological

grandma. He

biological mom and Tyrone together. And there's something you might not know. Your grandma feels she needs to look out for your dad. She could be a control freak. I don't want her to cause me any more trouble, so I'm not going to go

remarry Tyrone. Being apart from him didn't bother her. As for the

craved a peaceful life and wanted to focus on her baby.

what

happen, then he's not the one for me. I'll end things with him." "Guess I can't do much for Tyrone

Jennie snuggled

a reassuring pat. "Go on and play with Bun. I'm going to cook, and

arms, Jennie looked

on a

Jennie then gently pulled away

busy cooking, her phone rang. It was Tyrone on

"Yes, she is."

be upset by his call. "Sure, you can come over." Juggling the frying pan with one hand and stirring with the other, Sabrina squeezed the phone between her shoulder and ear, clearly

a pang of disappointment seeing Sabrina agree so quickly. He assumed Jennie was undeniable evidence of his