I nodded and smiled, "If it's inconvenient for you to live alone, you can move to the eastern suburbs and live with us. The house is big enough and lively.”
Nerissa smiled and said, "Then, you should hurry up and have a baby. I'll head over and take care of your children."
I didn't reply to her. Upon noticing my reaction, she thought I was shy, so she didn't bring the matter up and got up, going to find a small stool in the room.
Placing her stool behind me, she said, "Hendrix mentioned that your lower back is prone to pain after your miscarriage. I've never given birth, so I'm healthy. Sit down. Don't touch these if you don't feel well."
I wanted to refuse her offer, but I couldn't persuade her. In the end, I went along with her and sat down on the stool.
After washing her clothes, she brought some fruits and sat in the yard. She poured me a glass of water and said, "Don't be shy. After all, you're already a mother. I've already decided on a name for Hendrix and your children. When the time comes, I will find someone to write out all the names. There will be a variety of boys' and girls' names. You can choose whichever you like."
The water in the cup tasted slightly bitter. When I took a sip, I felt bitterness in my throat.
We chatted for a while. Before I left, she was worried and reminded me, "Be careful on the way home. Send me a message when you get home."
I nodded and turned around to look at her, thinking that I should perhaps visit Valerie. No matter how much I resented her, she was the one who had given birth after all.
She stood at the door and saw me off with a smile. For some reason, I suddenly felt sad and stepped forward to hug her, "Since Hendrix and I aren't by your side, you have to take good care of yourself."
She was amused, "When did you become so sentimental? Can't you come visit me any time?"
I smiled faintly and said softly, "I know that the woman who should grow old with Hendrix shouldn't be a mediocre person like me, but for many years, although you aren't satisfied with me, you will do anything for our sake. Although you're not his biological mother, you're very considerate of him. You're really kind."
She was a little stunned. After a while, she looked at me and said, "Arinna, what are you talking about? Why are you suddenly..."
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