Ellinor was abruptly nudged awake, and she ran her fingers through her tousled hair.
Belinda gently shook her. "Wake up. I'm waiting for you. Hurry up and freshen up."
Ellinor deeply regretted her offhand agreement a few days ago to see a psychiatrist with Belinda. Reluctantly, she got out of bed and headed for the bathroom.
Once she was showered and dressed, she followed Belinda downstairs.
The evening before, Veronica had taken care of the three kids, and now she was already up and waiting for breakfast with them.
Over the past few days, Veronica had been understanding of her sister-in-law's struggles, stepping in to help with the kids whenever she had time. Ellinor was thankful for the extra help.
Waving to the kids, Ellinor called out, "Baber, Adrian, Layla! Let's go; we're eating out for breakfast today."
Belinda grabbed Ellinor's arm. "Hold on! If you take the kids with you, we won't have the chance to talk properly. Veronica said she'd take care of them today. Right, Veronica?"
Veronica, aware of Belinda's intent to take Ellinor to the psychiatrist, nodded in agreement. "Yes! Ellinor, you can go on with Belinda without worrying about the kids. They're in good hands."
Ellinor frowned. "What's the point if I don't take the kids with me?"
With that, she picked up the quiet Adrian and pondered something for a moment.
Taking all three kids to the psychiatrist's office would indeed be inconvenient.
"Alright then. Veronica, look after Baber and Layla for me. Don't take them out until I get back, okay?"
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Kiss that Sparked it All