Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled novel Chapter 405

The rain outside was pouring down, and its staccato rhythm against the window pane was enough to keep Serena awake. Those big eyes of hers were wide open, staring at me.

Despite my own fear of thunder, seeing my delicate child made me feel a mother's courage. Every time I sensed a thunderclap was about to explode, I'd cover Serena's ears right away.

It was as if the heavens had a personal vendetta against us that day. Rather than the quick, passing storm one might expect, the rain seemed to have been increasing in intensity. Outside, shadowy figures occasionally rushed by, their outlines blurry in the deluge.

The phone rang. It was my mother. "Rena," she said. "Where are you and Serena? You didn't take an umbrella with you. Try to find shelter; you can't let the child get wet!"

"We're fine. We're waiting out the storm inside a shop." I reassured her.

"If it gets too bad, your father can bring you an umbrella, or you could buy one," she suggested, her voice laced with concern.

After a short conversation, I hung up. That's when Faith spoke up. "Irene, if you need to get home quickly. Neil can run out and get an umbrella, and escort you to your car."

At her words, Karina instantly glanced at Neil. Faith seemed oblivious to any potential awkwardness, and urged Neil on. "Go buy an umbrella, Neil. A little rain won't hurt a big guy like you. Can't let a lady and a child get soaked."

Neil, already in a sour mood, only looked at me, his eyes a cold steel.

"No need. I can order an umbrella online," I said quickly.

Ignoring my objection, Faith insisted. "Why bother with that when there's a mall right across the street? It's much easier to just have Neil go."

She didn't seem to care that her own son might get soaked and catch a cold.

"Neil, go ahead. Ms. Finch's child needs her sleep. It's too noisy here. Getting them home would be better, and less worrying for her parents," Karina added, nonchalantly backing up Faith's insistence.

Faith shot her a look, neither approving nor disapproving.

Without uttering a word, Neil got up and left the shop. His silhouette disappeared across the street, into the mall, as the rain continued to pour.

Holding Serena in my arms, I watched Neil's retreating figure through the glass door, and a strange feeling washed over me.

Suddenly, Hiram piped up. "Mommy, did Daddy go to the mall? I want a Transformer toy!"

"Hiram, your father went to buy an umbrella for Ms. Finch. It's raining heavily outside. Next time we'll get you a Transformer toy, okay?" Karina gently refused his request.

"But I want to play now!" Hiram pouted.

Seeing his grandson unhappy, Ryan chimed in. "Just call Neil and have him bring a toy. He's already at the mall. One extra toy won't make a difference."

With that, he dialed Neil's number and relayed his request.

Hiram's face lit up at his grandfather's support. He dashed over to Ryan, giving him a loving peck on the cheek. Ryan's eyes crinkled up with delight.

I watched their warm interaction in silence, gently rocking Serena in my arms.