"Mommy, you've lost weight, " said Venus while cupping Carla's face. "Did you lose your appetite because I'm not around?"
"Yes. But I will have a good appetite now since you're back."
Carla kissed her daughter's chubby face. The woman had watery eyes though her lips were being curled into a gentle smile.
"Mommy, Mrs. Borah has made some fresh hot cross bunnies. I'll go get you some." With that, Josh ran toward the kitchen.
Seeing that, Carla asked, "Has your leg recovered, Josh?"
Randy was quick to answer then, "Yes, Josh has long recovered. His leg is now as good as new. Mommy, I helped Daddy develop a new software. He told me he will register a patent for me and name the software after my name."
"Randy, you're amazing!" Overjoyed, Carla pulled the boy into her arms. "I am very proud of you!"
"Mommy…" In her arms, Randy's eyes reddened. "Can you not leave us anymore? We were scared that you were not going to come back."
"Yeah. We actually planned on running away from home to find you at the hospital…" Venus quickly covered her mouth. She regretted her words the moment they emerged.
"Running away! Running away from home!" Dori repeated after Venus while flapping its wings, flying above Carla's head.
Carla was shocked. "Running away from home? Don't you guys ever think of doing something like that! I'm only staying in the hospital for treatment. See, now I'm back!"
"We can keep you company and take care of you while you receive your treatment." With his brows knitted, Randy added sadly, "You're gone for a month, and we missed you so much!"
"Mommy, you promised you will never leave us!" Venus pouted, and she almost broke into tears. "You broke your promise!"
"I…" Carla didn't know how she could explain to her kids.
"Mommy, here comes the hot cross bunnies!"
Josh appeared just in time. The boy trotted toward them while holding a plate of hot cross bunnies.
"Hot cross bunnies! Hot cross bunnies!" Dori flew toward Josh the moment it saw the food he was holding.
"Dori, stop! Let Mommy eat first." Josh shooed Dori away and then brought Carla the hot cross bunnies. "Mommy, you should eat more!"
"Thanks, Josh." Carla caressed the boy's head affectionately before she enjoyed the food with the little ones.
Meanwhile, Jombo couldn't help furrowing his brows. Although he had long known that the kids shared a strong bond with their mother, still, he couldn't help feeling touched seeing their loving interaction.
To prevent himself from going soft, Jombo retrieved his gaze and signaled Thompson to wheel him out.
"Grandpa, are you leaving?" Zayn came up to him. "Why don't you stay and have dinner with us?"
Jombo pulled a long face at that. Without even sparing a glance at Zayn, he said coldly, "I'm leaving now."
"Great-grandpa is leaving. Go, walk him to the door, " Carla reminded the kids.
"Great-grandpa, you're leaving now?"
The kids immediately rushed up to Jombo to persuade him to stay.
Holding Jombo's hand, Venus gave her great-grandpa the puppy eyes. "Great-grandpa, don't leave just yet. Stay and have dinner with us."
The little girl's sweet voice could melt anyone's heart.
Instantly, Jombo's expression softened as he plastered a genial smile on his face. "Venus, I'm going home now. I'll bring you little ones to eat out next time."
Venus swayed his hand from side to side. "But I want you to stay…"
Josh, too, coaxed him into staying, "Great-grandpa, have dinner with us. Mrs. Borah cooks delicious food." Then, he did a few straight punches and said, "After dinner, you can play with us in the garden. My leg has recovered, and I can show you some martial arts techniques."
Then, Randy held Jombo's other hand while he reminded, "Great-grandpa, didn't you say you want to have a look at my new software? I can show you after dinner."
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