Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

Wendy gasped, covering her mouth in shock. She had never seen Tabitha interact so closely with other children before-usually, she kept her distance, even at kindergarten. This was the first time Tabitha allowed another child to approach her and make such a personal gesture.

Tabitha turned her head, her gaze meeting mine from across the room. Slowly, she raised her hand and pointed her finger toward Cory, as if tattling, and called out, "Mommy."

It was only then that Wendy and I seemed to snap out of a spell. She took Cory to his new room to show him around, while I stayed behind to accompany Tabitha.

Cory had stopped crying by then. His round eyes stayed fixed on Tabitha until Wendy led him out. Just before leaving, he turned back and said, "Goodnight, Ms. Ariana. Goodnight, Tabitha." Tabitha remained seated on the floor, absentmindedly fiddling with her toys, her gaze already drifting toward the darkened window.

I had always felt that Tabitha loved the night, perhaps because the stars in the sky felt like her companions.

Not wanting to disturb her as she immersed herself in her own world, I stayed silent. Yet, Tabitha spoke first.

"Who is he?"

I gently stroked her soft hair and sat beside her by the window. Our reflections appeared side by side in the glass, and I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness with Tabitha by my side. "How about letting Cory live with us from now on?" I asked gently. "He'll be Mommy and Daddy's child too, just like you. He'll be your big brother."

I knew how smart Tabitha was and spoke plainly, confident she would understand.

Tabitha didn't even blink. Her lack of enthusiasm showed that she didn't care. To her, what difference did it make if there was one more or less person in the world?

conversation, and I felt a pang of disappointment. As she grew older, she was becoming increasingly quiet, and I rarely got much response from her. "Do you like

Tabitha shook her head.

"Do you dislike him?"

her

as I was about to give up,

simple words

her, saying "Tabitha is so lovable Everyone likes you

him, can you say 'good morning' to

she yawned and fell asleep without giving me an

in the study was still on. So, I pushed the slightly ajar door open, and Nicholas immediately noticed me. He closed his laptop, took off his headphones, and

an uncharacteristic awkwardness in his expression, but he quickly forced a smile, so fleeting it almost felt like

say goodnight to you, but the lights were already off," he

more tender in the quiet

taking a seat in a chair near his desk, deliberately keeping some distance

"What did she say?"

Cory isn't