🅃🄷🄴 🅄🄽🄱🄾🅄🄽🄳 🄻🄾🅅🄴 - 3

When Lugh arrived home, the house was quiet and empty, amplifying the weight of his thoughts. He paused at the doorway, taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart. For a moment, the silence felt comforting, giving him space to gather his thoughts.

He headed to his room, sitting on the edge of his bed, his mind swirling with how he would approach the conversation with Seraphina. The words felt tangled, and he couldn’t quite figure out where to start. Hoping to clear his head, Lugh eventually made his way to the living room and turned on the TV. The faint hum of the screen and the distraction of a lighthearted show helped ease his nerves if only a little.

Nearly an hour later, the sound of the front door opening caught his attention. Seraphina walked in, balancing several large shopping bags in her hands, her face lit with the satisfaction of a successful errand.

Lugh quickly got up and went to her side, taking the bags from her hands.

“Let me help you, Mom,” he said with a warm smile, his earlier nerves momentarily fading as he focused on assisting her.

“Thank you, honey,” Seraphina replied, her voice filled with appreciation. Together, they carried the bags into the house, filling the space with a comforting sense of home and connection.

Lugh: (his eyes widened as he peered into the bags) Woah, Mom! You bought a ton of stuff.

Seraphina: (smiling playfully as she set the bags on the table) Well, you know how we women are—we can never resist a good shopping spree.

Lugh: (grinning) Yep, that’s true. But what kind of stuff did you buy this time?

Seraphina: (listing with a cheerful tone) Just some groceries, a few new clothes for both of us, chocolates, wafers, and—oh! A new board game for us to play together.

Lugh: (his face lighting up at the mention of the board game) Thanks, Mom, but you really didn’t have to buy me clothes. I already have more than enough to wear.

Seraphina: (smiling warmly, her eyes softening) I know you do, honey, but I wanted to. I saw something that I thought would suit you perfectly, and I couldn’t resist.

Lugh: (chuckling softly) Alright, Mom, I can’t argue with that. Let’s get all this settled first. I’ll help you put everything away.

Seraphina: (placing a hand gently on his shoulder, her tone firm yet caring) No, sweetheart, you don’t need to do anything. I’ll handle it all myself. You just sit here and rest, okay, munchkin?

Lugh: (his expression turning earnest, his voice almost pleading) But, Mom, I want to help. I can use my non-injured hand. I promise I won’t cause any trouble for you.

Seraphina: (smiling softly, shaking her head as she brushed a strand of hair from his face) I know you want to help, and that’s sweet of you, but I’d feel better if you just sat and let me take care of this. Please, just rest for me, okay?

Lugh: (letting out a small sigh but smiling in surrender) Okay, Mom. As you say. I’ll sit here and wait… but you owe me a sneak peek at that board game later!

Seraphina: (laughing softly) Deal. Now stay put while I sort this out.

Seraphina swiftly organized everything, placing the groceries neatly on their respective shelves and hanging the new clothes with care. Once the house was back in order, she headed to the kitchen to prepare a comforting cup of tea for both of them. The soothing aroma of freshly brewed tea soon filled the air, adding a layer of warmth to the cozy home.

With the tea ready, she placed the tray gently on the table in front of Lugh, her movements graceful and deliberate. Joining him on the couch, she handed him a steaming cup, her expression soft and content.

As they sipped their tea in comfortable silence, a wave of calm enveloped the room. The rhythmic clink of their cups and the faint hum of the world outside created a tranquil ambiance, making the moment feel timeless. For a while, neither of them spoke, simply enjoying the peace of the moment and the quiet comfort of each other’s presence.

Lugh: (taking a small sip of tea, his tone curious) So, Mom, where did you buy all these things from?

Seraphina: (smiling, setting her cup down lightly) I got everything from the ‘Ti Vista Mall.’ It’s massive, Lugh—a really big mall.

Lugh: (grinning knowingly) I told you before about that mall, didn’t I?

Seraphina: (laughing softly) Yes, you did. And guess what? Chloe bought twice as much as I did.

Lugh: (his eyes widening in mock surprise) Oh, so you were with Aunt Chloe! That explains why you shopped so much.

Seraphina: (giggling lightly) Hehe, you could say that. She definitely influenced me.

Lugh: (smiling playfully) Well, it’s always fun when Aunt Chloe is involved. So, Mom, what’s on the menu for dinner?

Seraphina: (her voice light and cheerful) Lemon rice with onion curry.

Lugh: (his face lighting up, his tone enthusiastic) That sounds delicious—and healthy, too!

Seraphina: (nodding with a satisfied smile) It is, and I think you’ll love it.

Lugh: (leaning forward slightly, his tone genuine) Do you need any help with dinner?

Seraphina: (placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, her tone warm but firm) Yes, I need you to sit here quietly and rest. But… you can help by arranging that board game I bought for us. We’ll play it together after dinner, okay?

Lugh: (grinning as he sat back, his voice playful) Alright, Mom. I’ll get it all set up. I’ll be waiting.

As they finished their tea, a cozy warmth lingered between them, wrapping the room in a sense of love and tranquility. Lugh’s growing excitement about the new board game and Seraphina’s quiet determination to prepare a perfect dinner made the evening feel special.

With the night settling in, Seraphina headed to the kitchen to begin cooking. Her movements were relaxed and graceful, a content smile playing on her lips as she worked. The joy of her earlier shopping trip was still reflected in her demeanor, adding a touch of lightness to her steps.

Meanwhile, Lugh made his way to their room, carefully unpacking and arranging the new board game. He took his time setting everything up, ensuring it was ready for their post-dinner fun. Once satisfied, he wandered back to the kitchen, where the comforting aroma of lemon rice and onion curry filled the air.

Lugh pulled out a chair at the dining table and sat down, watching his mom as she worked.

“Smells amazing in here, Mom,” he remarked with a grin. “What’s your secret?”

Seraphina chuckled softly, glancing at him over her shoulder. “Love and a touch of experience, honey. Now, don’t distract me too much, or I might forget the salt!”

The two began a lighthearted chit-chat, their conversation flowing effortlessly as Lugh shared funny memories and Seraphina teased him in return. The warmth of their bond filled the space, making even the simplest moments feel special as they eagerly awaited the dinner ahead.

After a short while, the food was ready, filling the kitchen with its delightful aroma. Seraphina quietly plated the dishes and arranged them neatly on the dining table. Once everything was set, she took her seat beside Lugh, her expression warm and nurturing, and began to gently feed him with the care only a mother could provide.

Lugh: (smiling softly as he takes another bite) Thanks, Mom, for feeding me with so much love and affection.

Seraphina: (her voice warm and full of emotion) Thank you too, my dear love.

Lugh: (pausing, looking at her with a puzzled expression) Thank me? Why are you thanking me, Mom? I’m just bothering you. I haven’t done anything special to deserve that.

Seraphina: (shaking her head gently, her tone tender yet firm) Don’t ever say that, sweetheart. You’re not a bother to me. You’ve always been my pride and joy. But… during your final exams in high school and even your university exams, I felt like I couldn’t be there for you as much as I wanted to.

Lugh: (frowning slightly, his voice filled with sincerity) That’s not true, Mom. You did so much for me. You were always there, supporting me in ways that mattered the most.

Seraphina: (smiling softly, her hand brushing his hair gently) Maybe I did, but it still never feels like enough. I want to take care of you as much as I possibly can.

Lugh: (his voice thick with emotion, his eyes glistening slightly) Mom, you’re more than anything to me. You’ve given me more love than I could ever ask for.

Seraphina: (her eyes welling up as she kissed his forehead) And you’re everything to me, my little baby. You’ll always be my treasure, no matter how grown-up you are. Now, eat well, and let me take care of you.

They ate together in a serene moment, the air filled with a deep sense of love and affection. Every bite they shared seemed to draw them closer, strengthening the unspoken bond between them. The peaceful silence was comforting, a testament to their connection that needed no words.

Once they finished their meal, Seraphina quietly gathered the dishes and headed to the kitchen to clean up, while Lugh returned to the room to tidy up and finish setting up the rest of the board game.

After completing the dishes, Seraphina joined Lugh in the room, her presence as soothing as ever. She gently helped him change into his nightclothes, carefully maneuvering around his injured hand with the utmost tenderness. Once he was settled, she turned to change into her own comfortable nightwear, the room filled with an easy, comforting rhythm of their nightly routine.

Lugh: (running his hand lightly over the fabric, a small smile on his face) This new nightwear is so much more comfortable than my other ones. Thanks for these, Mom.

Seraphina: (smiling warmly, her tone light and teasing) I’m glad you like them, honey. Chloe actually suggested these for you, so I bought them on instinct.

Lugh: (grinning) Well, thanks to both of you, then. But, you know, your night suit looks great too. It fits you perfectly and really suits your posture.

Seraphina: (blushing faintly, a playful laugh escaping her lips) Oh, stop it. Are you trying to charm me now?

Lugh: (laughing softly) I’m just being honest, Mom. You deserve all the compliments.

Seraphina: (grinning as she sits on the edge of the bed) Thank you, sweetheart. Alright, shall we start the game now?

Lugh: (patting the bed beside him, his tone playful) Yes, we can. But first, come sit here, Mom. Let’s get comfortable before we dive in.

Seraphina chuckled softly, her heart warmed by Lugh’s playful yet heartfelt words. With a tender smile, she moved to join him on the bed, her presence radiating comfort and care. Their laughter filled the room, blending seamlessly with the lighthearted energy that enveloped them.

As they set up the game, excitement sparked in their eyes, their smiles wide and genuine.

Lugh: (pausing as he adjusts the game pieces, his tone thoughtful) Mom, before we start the game, can I ask you something?

Seraphina: (smiling warmly, her eyes soft with curiosity) Of course, baby. Ask me anything.

Lugh: (tilting his head, glancing at the board game) Why did you buy this game that’s meant for more than two players? Won’t we get bored pretty quickly playing it alone?

Seraphina: (laughing softly, rubbing the back of her neck) Well… I don’t really know. It just looked exciting, so I bought it on a whim.

Lugh: (grinning knowingly) Typical Mom. How about this—we save this game for Saturday and play it with Dia and Aunt Chloe? That way, we’ll have more fun with more people.

Seraphina: (her expression shifting, a slight pout forming) But I really wanted to play it with just you tonight…

Lugh: (reaching over to gently pat her hand) I know, Mom, but don’t you think it’ll be even more fun with Dia and Aunt Chloe? We can laugh, team up, and make a whole event out of it.

Seraphina: (sighing, her smile returning as she nods) You’re right, sweetheart. Let’s save it for Saturday. So… what do you want to play instead?

Lugh: (scratching his head sheepishly) Uh… actually, I was thinking… maybe we could skip the games tonight and just talk instead?

Seraphina: (raising an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued) Talk? But we talk every day. What’s so special about tonight?

Lugh: (hesitating for a moment, then smiling softly) Nothing special, Mom… it’s just that I love our talks. Sometimes, they feel even better than playing games.

Seraphina: (her heart melting, her voice gentle and warm) Oh, honey, you always know how to make me smile. Alright, let’s talk. Tell me what’s on your mind.

Lugh's heart began to race, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him. He knew this was the moment—the moment he had been dreading and anticipating all at once. If he didn’t speak up now, he might never find the answers he needed. The questions about the photograph, and the mysterious man he had spied on, lingered in his mind like an unsolved puzzle. It was time to face the truth, to confront the unknown, no matter how hard it seemed. His breath quickened, and a knot tightened in his stomach as he prepared himself to finally share everything with Seraphina.

Lugh: (his voice trembling slightly, his heart racing) It’s… I want to tell you the truth about my hand injury.

Seraphina: (her eyes narrowing slightly, though her tone remains calm) So, you finally gathered the courage to tell me the real story?

Lugh: (looking down, his voice heavy with guilt) Yeah. I felt guilty for not telling you the whole truth. I’m sorry, but I was afraid you’d be mad at me… or even worse, not talk to me after I told you.

Seraphina: (her voice soft but firm) Lugh, I’ll never do that to you unless you do something truly inappropriate or immoral.

Lugh: (his words coming out almost in a whisper) I’m not sure if what I did was immoral or inappropriate… but I just need to tell you now.

Seraphina: (sitting back slightly, her gaze intense but understanding) Go ahead, sweetheart. I’m listening.

Lugh: (reaching into the drawer beside him, his hands shaking as he pulls out the photo, his voice barely above a whisper) First, I want to show you something. (He hands her the photo) Here… see this.

Seraphina: (her breath catches in her throat as she looks at the photo, her heart stopping for a moment. Her face pales as the recognition hits her) Where… where did you find this picture?

Lugh: (nervously watching her, his tone apologetic) I found it in the storeroom when I was looking for my book to study for the exams.

Seraphina: (Her voice sharpens, and a mix of sadness and anger fills her eyes.) How many times have I told you not to go into the storeroom, Lugh?

Lugh: (sighing deeply, the guilt heavy in his voice) I told you to get my book from the storeroom, but you told me, "Go get it yourself."

Seraphina: (her face softens slightly, remembering the incident, but still filled with concern) How could I forget that? It was my fault. From now on, I don’t want you near that storeroom, okay?

Lugh: (nodding earnestly, his voice filled with remorse) I promise I won’t go there again. But… I need to know who this man is in the picture with you and me. Can you please tell me?

Seraphina: (pausing, her eyes softening before she responds in a quiet but serious tone) Tell me first, Lugh, how does this picture connect to your injury?

Lugh: (taking a deep breath, his voice steady but filled with the weight of the truth) It’s because I saw this man yesterday on the street. Something about him caught my attention, and I got curious. I started spying on him, trying to figure out if he was the same person in the picture. As I was watching him from a distance, I climbed a tree to get a better view... and I fell. The fall caused me to get injured by a sharp object that was lying on the ground.

Seraphina: (her face turned to shock and disbelief. In an instant, her hand rises, and she slaps him across the face, her voice shaking with a mix of anger and concern) I can’t believe you did that, Lugh! Go to your room and sleep now.

Lugh: (stunned, his voice faltering as he tries to explain himself) But, Mom…

Seraphina: (her tone turning cold, her voice firm with authority) Enough talking. Go to your room and sleep. Or do you want another slap?

Lugh: (his eyes welling with tears, he nods silently, retreating to his room with heavy steps, feeling the sting of both the slap and the weight of his own actions)

As Lugh left the room, the air felt thick with tension. Seraphina stood frozen for a moment, her heart aching as she processed everything her son had just revealed. The truth had cut deeper than she had expected, and she was left to wrestle with the emotions of concern, disappointment, and love.

Lugh retreated to his room, tears streaming down his face as the sting of Seraphina’s reaction and her silence weighed heavily on him. Exhausted from both guilt and heartbreak, he eventually cried himself to sleep. Meanwhile, Seraphina, too, wrestled with her emotions—disappointment, concern, and an overwhelming love for her son. Though her heart ached, she couldn’t bring herself to address the matter further that night. She drifted into a restless sleep, her mind clouded with thoughts of what to do next.

The next morning, Seraphina woke up earlier than usual, her body moving on autopilot as her mind remained unsettled. She freshened up, prepared breakfast for both herself and Lugh, and quietly left the house for the office, hoping the routine would bring some clarity. Her thoughts, however, were still fogged by the previous night’s revelations, leaving her distracted and distant.

A while later, as sunlight began streaming into Lugh’s room, he stirred awake, his voice barely audible as he murmured, “Mom… Mom, where are you?” Still half-asleep, he shifted awkwardly, only to lose his balance and tumble off the bed. The sudden fall jarred his injured hand, and a sharp pain shot through him as he noticed fresh blood seeping through the bandages. Panic set in as he tried to manage the bleeding, fumbling with the first-aid kit to re-dress the wound. His efforts, however, were clumsy and ineffective, leaving him frustrated and worried.

Realizing he needed help, Lugh hurried through the house, calling out for Seraphina. But the house was eerily quiet—she was nowhere to be found. He grabbed his phone and tried calling her, but each attempt led to a busy signal. His worry grew with each failed call, his mind racing with fear.

Desperate and overwhelmed, Lugh turned to Dia for help, dialing her number with trembling hands. When she didn’t answer, he quickly sent frantic messages to both Dia and Seraphina, pleading for help. His breathing grew shallow, his vision blurry, as the pain and panic took their toll on his body.

Before he could gather himself, Lugh’s senses faded entirely, and he collapsed onto the living room floor. The room fell silent, his phone lying just out of reach, the unanswered cries for help lingering in the air.

Within ten minutes of Lugh’s frantic message, Dia received the notification. Her eyes widened with alarm as she read his words, sensing the urgency behind them. Without hesitation, she grabbed her phone and immediately called Chloe, explaining the situation in hurried breaths.

Together, Dia and Chloe rushed to Lugh’s house, their car cutting through the streets at a relentless pace. In less than fifteen minutes, they arrived at the house, adrenaline coursing through their veins. To their relief, the main door was unlocked, allowing them to enter without delay.

“Lugh! Lugh, where are you?” Dia called out, her voice echoing through the quiet house as they stepped into the living room. Her heart sank when her eyes landed on him, lying unconscious on the floor, his injured hand covered in blood that had soaked through the poorly wrapped bandages.

“Oh no!” Dia gasped, rushing to his side without a second thought. Kneeling beside him, she gently lifted him, cradling his head as she shifted him onto the couch with Chloe’s help.

Chloe, maintaining her composure despite the alarming scene, quickly retrieved the first-aid kit from the nearby table. “Dia, hold him steady,” she instructed her voice firm and focused. Working swiftly, she began dressing Lugh’s wound with practiced precision, applying pressure to stop the bleeding and cleaning the area with care.

As Chloe worked, Dia hovered close, brushing Lugh’s hair back from his face with trembling hands. “Come on, Lugh,” she whispered, her voice breaking slightly. “Wake up. Please, just wake up.”

Chloe glanced at Dia reassuringly, her tone calm but urgent. “He’ll be okay, but we need to keep him stable. The bleeding’s under control for now, but we need to monitor him until he regains consciousness.”

The room was thick with tension as they worked together, both of them determined to bring Lugh back to safety. Every second felt like an eternity as they stayed by his side, their worry overshadowed only by their unwavering care and determination to help him.

Chloe: (glancing at Dia as she finishes checking Lugh’s wound) By the way, where’s Sera? I completely forgot to look for her in all the rush.

Dia: (frowning slightly, her voice thoughtful) You’re right, Mom. I think she’s not at home.

Chloe: (her brows knitting in concern) Yeah, but where could she be?

Dia: (looking worried) Can you try calling her, Mom? I don’t think she knows what’s happened to Lugh.

Chloe: (nodding quickly as she pulls out her phone) You’re right, sweetie. Hold on a second. (Chloe dials Seraphina’s number and waits, but after a few moments, she sighs in frustration.) Nah, her phone’s engaged. She must be on another call.

Dia: (wringing her hands nervously) What should we do now, Mom?

Chloe: (sighing as she rubs her temples) For now, we wait—for Lugh to wake up and for Sera to come home.

Dia: (nodding, her voice soft but filled with worry) I guess we don’t have much choice. I just hope Lugh wakes up soon.

Chloe: (checking her phone as it vibrates with a message) Sweetie, can you stay with him for a while? I just got an emergency message from the clinic—they need me there urgently.

Dia: (placing a hand on Lugh’s arm protectively) Of course, Mom. Don’t worry, I’ll stay with him.

Chloe: (giving her a grateful smile) Thanks, Dia. I’ve done his dressing properly, and the bleeding has stopped now. I should be back in three to four hours, but if anything happens, call me immediately, okay?

Dia: (nodding firmly, her voice steady) I will, Mom. Don’t worry about us. Just go, and take care of the emergency.

Chloe: (squeezing Dia’s shoulder gently) Thank you, sweetie. You’re amazing. Take care of him, and I’ll be back as soon as I can.

Dia: (smiling faintly, her resolve strengthening) Don’t worry, Mom. I’ve got this.

Chloe gave Dia a reassuring nod before grabbing her bag and heading out the door. Dia turned her focus back to Lugh, her heart heavy with concern but determined to be there for him as he rested, silently willing him to wake up soon.

Lugh remained asleep for most of the day, his body exhausted from the loss of blood and the strain of the previous events. Dia stayed by his side the entire time, her eyes constantly flitting between him and her phone, ready to assist him the moment he stirred. Despite her watchful care, Lugh didn’t wake up, his body clearly needing the rest to recover.

By the afternoon, Chloe returned to check on him. She carefully examined his condition, her medical expertise providing much-needed reassurance.

Dia: (her voice trembling with concern as she glanced at Lugh) What’s happening, Mom? Why isn’t he waking up?

Chloe: (placing a reassuring hand on Dia’s shoulder, her tone calm and soothing) It’s because he lost so much blood earlier. His body is in recovery mode, sweetie. There’s nothing to worry about—he just needs time to heal. But honestly, it’s thanks to you that you read his message in time. If we hadn’t gotten here as quickly as we did, things might’ve turned out very differently.

Dia: (letting out a shaky sigh of relief, her voice soft yet filled with gratitude) Thank you, Mom. I was so scared… but I’m glad it’s not as serious as I thought. Still… I can’t help but be more worried about Aunt Sera. She still doesn’t know what happened to him. I tried calling her so many times, but she hasn’t replied.

Chloe: (her expression softening, her voice laced with understanding) You’ve done an amazing job staying by his side, Dia. He’s lucky to have someone like you looking out for him.

Dia: (looking down at Lugh, her voice breaking slightly) I’m just doing what anyone would do for someone they care about… but I feel helpless not being able to reach Aunt Sera.

Chloe: (sighing as she glanced at her phone) I’ve called her multiple times too, and every time her phone’s been engaged. I can only assume she’s tied up with something important.

Dia: (nodding slowly, her voice filled with quiet determination) I just hope she finds out soon. She’d want to be here for him.

Chloe: (smiling gently, squeezing Dia’s hand) She’ll come to know soon enough, and I’m sure she’ll be here as soon as she can. For now, let’s keep doing what we’re doing—taking care of him. You’re doing great, sweetie.

Dia: (smiling faintly, her voice soft but resolute) Thanks, Mom. I’ll stay with him for as long as it takes.

The exchange filled the room with a quiet sense of reassurance, the two of them united in their care for Lugh, even as they silently wished for Seraphina’s presence to complete the circle of love and support.

They waited for hours, hoping for Seraphina’s return. As the mid-evening sun dipped lower, casting warm golden hues across the house, the front door finally opened. Seraphina stepped in, her face etched with exhaustion from a long day at work.

“Lugh?” she called out, her voice echoing through the quiet house. But there was no response.

Frowning, she walked further into the living room, where she paused at the sight before her. Dia and Chloe were both slumped on the couch, sound asleep, their postures weary from hours of waiting. On the other couch, Lugh lay unconscious, his arm now wrapped in far more bandages than before. The sight of him caused her heart to clench, worry instantly replacing her fatigue.

Her eyes darted between Chloe’s peaceful face and Lugh’s bandaged arm, her mind racing with questions. Even in her exhaustion, all she could think about was finding answers and making sure her son was okay. 

Seraphina moved closer, her footsteps soft but hurried as she approached Chloe. Gently placing a hand on Chloe’s shoulder, she leaned down her voice a mix of concern and urgency.

Seraphina: (gently shaking Chloe’s shoulder, her voice filled with urgency) Chloe… Chloe, wake up, please.

Chloe: (stirring, still half-asleep, blinking groggily) Uh… Sera? Is it really you?

Seraphina: (nodding quickly, her voice soft but anxious) Yes, it’s me, Chloe. I’m home now. Please, wake up and tell me—what happened here?

Chloe: (sitting up straighter, her tone shifting to concern as she meets Seraphina’s eyes) First, you tell me, Sera. Where were you all day? And why was your phone engaged every time I called?

Seraphina: (faltering, her voice apologetic) I was in a very important meeting, Chloe. I put my phone on silent so it wouldn’t disturb me.

Chloe: (her voice sharp, her words laced with frustration) Was that meeting more important than your son’s life, Sera?

Seraphina: (her face draining of color, her voice trembling) What… what are you talking about? Chloe, please—tell me what happened to Lugh!

Dia: (waking up to the sound of their voices, rubbing her eyes sleepily) Mom? Is Lugh awake?

Chloe: (shaking her head softly) No, sweetie, he’s still asleep.

Dia: (blinking in surprise as she notices Seraphina) Auntie, you’re home? Where were you? We called you so many times! Please, Auntie, be more careful next time. Wherever you are, at least check your phone now and then! What if something urgent—like this—needs your attention?

Seraphina: (her voice cracking with guilt, tears forming in her eyes) I know, sweetie. I know I was wrong, and I’m so sorry. But please… can someone just tell me what happened to Lugh?

Chloe: (motioning for Seraphina to sit down, her tone softening) Sera, sit here. It’s okay now. There’s nothing to worry about anymore. (turning to Dia) Sweetie, can you bring her a glass of water?

Dia: (nodding quickly, her voice steady) Of course, Mom. I’ll get it right away.

(Dia rushes to the kitchen, retrieves a glass of water, and hands it to Seraphina.)

Dia: (her voice gentle but firm) Here, Auntie. Drink this.

Seraphina: (taking the glass, her hands trembling slightly as she drinks it all) Thank you, Dia. Now, Chloe—tell me the truth. Is it something serious?

Chloe: (exhaling deeply, her tone calm but serious) No, Sera, it’s not serious anymore. But it could’ve been. We don’t know the full story, but Dia got a message from Lugh asking for help. When we rushed here, we found him unconscious on the floor, his hand bleeding heavily.

Dia: (chiming in, her voice tinged with lingering worry) Mom acted quickly and dressed his wound to stop the bleeding, and I cleaned up the blood from the floor. After that, he’s been resting. He hasn’t woken up yet, but he’s stable.

Seraphina: (her voice breaking as tears stream down her face) Thank you… thank you both so much. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t been here for him.

Chloe: (placing a comforting hand on Seraphina’s shoulder) Stop crying, Sera. He’s safe now, and that’s what matters. But it’s getting late, and we should head home.

Seraphina: (sniffling, shaking her head) Please, stay for dinner. At least eat something with us before you leave.

Dia: (smiling gently, her tone warm but firm) Let’s save it for Saturday, Auntie. I think it’s best if you have some alone time with Lugh tonight.

Chloe: (nodding in agreement) Dia’s right, Sera. You’ve had a long day—first with your meeting and now this. You need rest, and you need to be here for Lugh. Don’t forget to give him his medicines on time. He’s lost a lot of blood, and it’ll take him a few days—maybe a week—to regain his strength.

Seraphina: (wiping her tears, her voice filled with gratitude as she kisses Dia’s forehead) Thank you… both of you. Dia, thank you for being such a wonderful friend to him and for taking care of him in my absence.

Dia: (smiling softly, her voice gentle) He’s like family to me, Auntie. I’ll always be there for him.

Chloe and Dia gathered their things, bidding Seraphina a warm goodbye before leaving. Seraphina watched them go, her heart heavy with gratitude and lingering worry. She turned her focus back to Lugh, silently vowing to stay by his side until he woke up.

Seraphina carefully lifted Lugh, cradling him with tenderness, and carried him to the bedroom. She gently placed him on the bed, adjusting the pillows to ensure his comfort. With a soft sigh, she brushed his hair from his face before stepping out of the room to prepare dinner.

In the kitchen, Seraphina busied herself making one of Lugh’s favorite meals—spaghetti paired with a decadent chocolate cake. The comforting aroma of the simmering sauce and the sweet scent of baking chocolate filled the air, but her mind remained elsewhere. As she stirred and mixed, her thoughts kept circling back to the events of the previous night and Lugh’s condition today.

Her heart raced with guilt and worry, the regret gnawing at her. “If only I hadn’t been so angry with him… If only I had been there when he needed me,” she thought, blaming herself for his condition. The weight of what could have happened pressed heavily on her chest, making it hard to focus.

After painstakingly preparing the meal and arranging it neatly on the dining table, she decided to check on Lugh. Wiping her hands on a towel, she walked toward his room, her footsteps quieter than usual.

As she entered the room, her eyes softened at the sight of him still asleep, his face calm but pale. Moving closer, she knelt beside the bed, her heart aching as she gently patted his head, her fingers brushing through his hair with care.

“Lugh… my precious boy,” she whispered under her breath, her voice trembling with emotion. For a moment, she stayed there, simply watching him, silently willing him to wake up and bring her the comfort of his voice.

Seraphina: (gently, her voice soft with guilt) I'm so sorry, my baby, for slapping and yelling at you. And for not being there when you needed me the most.

Lugh: (half-opening his eyes, his voice hoarse and weak) Mom... is that you?

Seraphina: (stroking his hair tenderly) Yes, baby, it’s Mom. I’m sorry if I woke you up.

Lugh: (coughing lightly) It’s... okay, Mom.

Seraphina: (placing a comforting hand on his forehead) Don’t push yourself too hard, honey.

Lugh: (tears rolling down his cheeks, his voice breaking) I’m sorry for causing you so much trouble. Please forgive me... I’ll make sure not to depend on—

Seraphina: (interrupting gently, her voice firm but loving) Shh, no, my darling. None of this is your fault. It wasn’t mine either—it was just how things unfolded. And there’s nothing wrong with depending on me. That’s what I’m here for, okay?

Lugh: (sniffling softly, wiping his tears) Thank you, Mom.

Seraphina: (smiling warmly) Now, sit up for me, sweetheart. (she stands and heads to the kitchen, returning quickly with a glass of fresh juice) Here, drink this first.

Lugh: (sips the juice, his voice soft but grateful) Thanks, Mom. It’s refreshing... but have you eaten or had anything yourself?

Seraphina: (gently shaking her head) No, not yet. I thought we’d eat together.

Lugh: (concerned) You should’ve had something, Mom.

Seraphina: (sitting beside him) I’ll be fine, honey. Can you tell me what happened with your hand earlier today?

Lugh: (his gaze drops, his tone regretful) When I woke up, I was still stuck in last night’s thoughts... I felt so distracted that I lost my balance and fell from the bed. My hand hit something, and it started bleeding. I searched everywhere for you, Mom, but I couldn’t find you. I called you, but your phone was engaged. Then I tried Dia, but she didn’t answer either. I sent both of you a message... and after that, I don’t remember much.

Seraphina: (her voice quivering with emotion) I’m so sorry, honey. I should’ve been there. I feel awful for not being by your side when you needed me most.

Lugh: (placing his good hand gently on hers) It’s okay, Mom. I’m feeling better now. Just a little weak, nothing too serious.

Seraphina: (her voice breaking slightly) I’m so sorry for last night—for slapping you and not listening. I acted out of anger and fear... I should’ve heard you out. Can you forgive me?

Lugh: (his eyes filled with understanding) Mom, there’s nothing to forgive. You acted out of love. I know you were trying to protect me in your own way. Sometimes things slip out of our control, even when we try our best to hold them together.

Seraphina: (tearing up, her hand trembling as she strokes his face) I’m so lucky to have a son like you. I promise, no more slaps, no more yelling. And I’ll answer all your questions, I swear.

Lugh: (shaking his head gently) There’s no need, Mom. I don’t want to know about that man or anything that could come between us. Let’s just move on and leave it behind.

Seraphina: (smiling through her tears, her voice full of love) Thank you, my precious little boy. Now, please be sure to sit tight. I’ll bring dinner here for you.

Lugh: (mustering a small smile) No, Mom. I’m okay to walk to the table. Just help me, please.

Seraphina: (chuckling softly, supporting him as he stands) Alright, let’s go together. But lean on me, okay?

Together, they made their way to the dining table, moving slowly but steadily, their bond radiating a love and understanding that words could never fully capture. Once there, Seraphina helped Lugh settle into a chair, choosing one close to hers to make it easier to care for him.

With a warm smile, she prepared plates for both of them, carefully portioning out the spaghetti and setting a slice of the chocolate cake on each plate. Placing Lugh’s plate in front of him, she scooted her chair even closer and gently began feeding him, her every motion filled with tenderness.

“There you go, honey. A big bite for my brave boy,” she said softly, her voice full of affection.

Lugh smiled faintly as he accepted the food, his heart swelling with gratitude for his mother’s unwavering care. Each bite they shared wasn’t just a meal—it was a moment of healing, their quiet love wrapping around them like a warm embrace, stronger than the struggles of the past days.

Lugh: (looking at Seraphina with curious eyes as she feeds him another bite) Mom, do you… do you ever get bored of taking care of me?

Seraphina: (smiling warmly, her tone firm yet tender) Mothers never get bored of taking care of their children, sweetheart.

Lugh: (grinning sheepishly) But what if I get bored of taking care of my child after I get married? What would I do then?

Seraphina: (chuckling softly, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead) Oh, honey, you’ll never get bored of taking care of your child. Children have this amazing way of changing us—of making us better people—every time we interact with them.

Lugh: (nodding thoughtfully, a small smile tugging at his lips) I think you’re right… though there’s still plenty of time before my marriage happens.

Seraphina: (her eyes lighting up mischievously as she leans in slightly) Speaking of which, is there someone you know… someone you love, who you think you might marry one day?

Lugh: (freezing for a moment, his cheeks flushing slightly as he looks down at his plate) I… I know someone. There’s one person I love most, aside from you, but…

Seraphina: (raising an eyebrow, her tone soft but teasing) But what, honey? Go on, tell me.

Lugh: (fiddling with his fork, his voice dropping to a shy murmur) But I don’t know if she loves me the same way I love her.

Seraphina: (leaning closer, her eyes sparkling with curiosity) Oh? And who might this mystery girl be?

Lugh: (groaning playfully, his face turning a deeper shade of red) Stop teasing me, Mom. You already know who she is.

Seraphina: (pretending to think, her expression playful) Hmm… I might have an idea, but I’d still like to hear it from you.

Lugh: (laughing nervously, shaking his head) I’ll tell you after I ask her, okay?

Seraphina: (pouting slightly, her tone feigning disappointment) That’s not fair! I want to know now.

Lugh: (grinning as he looks up at her, his eyes filled with affection) I promise, you’ll be the first to know after I ask her. Now, please, Mom, stop teasing me.

Seraphina: (laughing softly, patting his cheek affectionately) Alright, my little rom-com hero. I’ll stop… for now.

Lugh: (chuckling, taking another bite of food) Let’s just eat, Mom. You’re impossible!

Seraphina: (smiling brightly, her heart full as she watches him) Alright, honey. Let’s finish our meal.

Their laughter and lighthearted banter filled the room, creating an atmosphere of love and joy. For Seraphina, seeing Lugh smile again was the only reassurance she needed, and for Lugh, his mother’s warmth gave him the courage to face the emotions stirring within him.

After finishing their meal, Seraphina and Lugh left the dishes untouched, choosing instead to head straight to the bedroom to rest. The day had been emotionally and physically draining for both of them, and all they wanted was the comfort of each other’s presence.

Once in the bedroom, Seraphina carefully helped Lugh change into his nightclothes, taking extra care not to disturb his injured hand. When she was done, she quickly changed into her own nightwear. Together, they climbed onto the bed, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a soothing warmth over the room.

Lugh nestled close to Seraphina, her protective arms wrapping gently around him, ensuring not to put pressure on his injured arm. Her touch was tender, radiating a sense of safety and love that made it easy for Lugh to drift off into a peaceful sleep. His breathing softened quickly, his head resting against her shoulder, a faint smile on his face.

Seraphina, too, felt the weight of the day pulling her toward slumber. She glanced down at Lugh, her heart swelling with a mix of relief and affection. Stroking his hair gently, she allowed herself to relax, the rhythmic sound of his breathing lulling her into a deep and well-earned rest. The room fell quiet, wrapped in a blanket of warmth and tranquility, as mother and son slept peacefully, finding solace in each other’s embrace.

Continue.....