And with that, she quickly shed a few tears, "Balfour, I know I messed up. I didn't take good enough care of Baber. But please don't send him away. I swear I'll try harder to be a better mom and take better care of Baber."
Balfour looked at his headache of a sister, gently rubbed his temples, and said, “Alright, keep an eye on the kid for now; I’ve gotta go take a call."
Balfour turned to leave as his phone buzzed in his hand. But before he could even take a step, Baber grabbed his hand, weakly pleading, "Balfour, don't go..."
Baber was scared. He was terrified that once Balfour left, he'd be stuck with his mom.
When they were alone, his mom turned into a monster.
Balfour wasn't sure exactly what the kid was afraid of. All he did was pat Baber's cheek and quietly reassure him, "Be good; I'm just gonna take a call. Let Mom keep you company for a bit; I'll be right back."
Baber's eyes were wide with fear; he looked like he was about to cry, "Balfour, don't go. I'm scared."
After seeing the kid so distressed, suspicion sparked in Balfour's mind. He glanced over at Patricia, who was standing nearby.
What was Baber so afraid of?
Was he afraid of his own mother?
Since when did the kid start avoiding Patricia?
Did Patricia lose her temper with him when she ran out of patience?
His phone was still buzzing; it was an important work call, and he had to take it.
Balfour tried to soothe Baber with a few comforting words before stepping out to take the call.
Baber's small hand reached out helplessly towards the retreating figure of Balfour, but he couldn't grasp him.
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