The Love From Vengeance

289: REMINISCE

FLASHBACK

ARIEL’S POV

As we stepped onto the lush green golf course, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement mingled with a tinge of apprehension. I glanced down at Lukel, his eyes wide with anticipation, clutching onto his miniature golf club with all the determination of al champion.

“Are you ready, buddy?” I asked, trying to muster up as much enthusiasm as possible.

“Yeah, Mommy! I’m gonna hit the ball really far!” Lukel exclaimed, his face beaming with excitement.

I chuckled nervously, hoping that Lukel’s joy would compensate for my complete lack of golfing prowess. “That’s the spirit, champ! Let’s do this!”

Approaching the first hole, I realized that Lukel’s idea of “hitting the ball really far” might be slightly ambitious. His swing resembled more of a wild flail than a calculated stroke, and the ball barely rolled a few inches ahead..

“Good try, Lukel! Remember to keep your eye on the ball,” I encouraged, trying to sound as supportive as possible.

He pouted, frustration evident on his small face. “But Mommy, it’s too hard!”

I knelt down beside him, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. “Hey, it’s okay. Golf can be tricky at first, but we’ll figure it out together, okay?”

Just then, a familiar voice interrupted our conversation. “Looks like you two could use a

hand!”

I turned to see Andre approaching us, a wide grin plastered across his face. Last time I checked, Andre was good at these things, and his mere presence on the course made me feel slightly more at ease.

“Hey, Andre! I didn’t know you were here,” I said, relieved to see a friendly face.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world! And who do we have here?” Andre crouched down beside Lukel, extending a hand. “Seems like you’re not good a golf little buddy.”

hand. “I’m totally bad at it. Maybe because I’m still a

289 REMINISCE

say that. I can help you become

pro in no

excitement, his earlier frustration fading

me?”

that swing of yours,” Andre

Andre patiently corrected his posture, demonstrating the proper technique with ease. As Lukel’s confidence grew, so

You’re a natural,” I clapped my hands, watching in awe

across the green.

high–five. “See? I told you that you had it in you!!

became Lukel’s personal coach, guiding him through. each hole with patience and encouragement. With Andre’s help, Lukel’s swings became more controlled, and his shots grew

lovely moment, and I couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride watching Lukel’s transformation. Despite

said, smiling

it off with a grin. “Anytime, Ariel. It was my pleasure. And Lukel, remember what I

glee. “I’ll practice every day, just like you said! Someday, I’ll be the best golfer

three of us burst into laughter, and Andre carried Lukel, making

shoulders.

END OF FLASHBACK

your phone and take pictures of the both of us, like we were a couple,” I/vocalized to Andre, trying to let him know how Lukel

and Andre spending so many times together. I was trying to make Andre see things

lovely voices, wonderful actions. Now going back to reality, one was

while we were watching the movie, and the mad granny close to us keep on telling him to shut

rising a little.

really a lovely soul,” Andre said lowly, and I could tell every single word. was sinking inside his head. Because they needed to, he needed to see the pain I was going through. He needed to see how broken I was, even though I kept laughing. He

wanted to kill me and my daughter. But we were lucky, it’s all thanks to God that