The Sky Remembered the Touch of Our Uninished Goodbyes by Lysa Orion Rehn 13

Chapter 13 

Oliver quickly shook his head, his expression shifting to something more casual. Oh, no, I just want to know why you would wear such an oversized jacket. It’s too big for you, Mommy. And you’re not looking well. 

The concern in his voice–so mature for his six years–touched me deeply. Here I was, the adult, looking disheveled and frightened, while this child was checking on my well–being. 

“I’m fine,” I assured him, attempting a smile. “Just had a bit of trouble with my dress. Nothing to worry about. I led him inside, my hand gently guiding him through the doorway. Setting my purse down on the counter, I turned to face him, my eyes meeting his. ‘Oliver, we need to talk about you. What were you doing outside? I thought you were staying here.” 

“I was worried about you. I went out to wait for you.” His small hands clutched at my arms. “But then I was chased by a bad cat and fell over a stone. I found my way back and saw you already home. You won’t be mad at me, right?” he said, his voice trembling slightly. 

“Of course not, poor boy. Are you hurt?” I turned him around and checked him for injuries. 

“No, I’m fine.” 

He must be lonely staying here. I should have thought of it. I’d initially figured it wouldn’t be a big deal to let him stay with me for a few days until his family came looking for him. But I was always so caught up with work, especially with the eight million hanging over my head. It’s no wonder I’d been neglecting Oliver’s needs. Poor kid probably felt invisible with me constantly distracted by my own problems. 

I sighed and sat down on the sofa, patting the spot beside me. “Come here.” 

When he settled next to me, I said. “I’m sorry if I make you feel neglected. If you want to go home, you can tell me anytime.” 

His face clouded. “Nobody cares about me there,” he said, his voice small but matter–of–fact. “I just want to be with you.” 

My heart ached at his words. “Oliver…” 

He put his hand on mine. “Daddy didn’t care about me. Not like you do. I understand that Mommy needs to be busy. As long as I’m with you, that makes me 

happy.” 

I tried a different approach. “Do you go to kindergarten? You must have friends there.” 

‘I don’t go to school,” he replied. “We have teachers who come to our house. And lots of classes. His nose wrinkled in distaste. “Piano, French, math, 

science, art. Daddy says I need to be excellent at everything, but I want to play sometimes.” 

The picture emerging of Oliver’s home life made my chest tighten. A child surrounded by wealth and privilege, yet starved for attention and simple childhood joys. It reminded me too much of my own childhood in the Wright household–different circumstances but the same emotional neglect. 

‘Daddy gets angry when I don’t do things right,” Oliver continued, his voice dropping to a whisper. “He says I embarrass him.” 

I found myself blinking back tears. No child should feel they were a disappointment, especially not this bright, affectionate boy beside me. I put my arm around his shoulders, drawing him close, 

‘Listen to me, Oliver,” I said softly. “You’re perfect exactly as you are. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.” 

He looked up at me, his eyes wide and trusting. “That’s why I need to stay with you,” he said. “You understand me.” 

1/2 

3:49 pm D M 

Chapter 13 

I felt a warmth in my heart and realized I didn’t want to send this child away. We seemed to need each other somehow, and he always managed to heal something in me. Perhaps I could pay more attention to him and spend whatever free time I had with him. Whatever strange connection existed between us, whatever the truth about his identity and how he’d found me, one thing was clear: we had stumbled into each other’s lives for a reason. 

“How about we make some dinner?‘ I suggested, ruffling his hair gently. And tomorrow, we’ll spend more time together. Okay?” 

His smile lit up his entire face as he nodded eagerly.