Chapter 3 — I took my three children and left, and he regretted it

“Dad doesn't live here.”

“In the future, I will live with you, okay?”

Niem An thought for a moment. Suddenly, he smiled brightly.

“I like living with mom!”

“Dad never pays attention to me.”

The boy said so happily. But after hearing it, I wanted to cry. Early the next morning. There was a knock on the door. I thought it was a delivery person. When I opened the door, I saw Ms. Tran, the owner of the wonton shop at the beginning of the alley, standing outside. In her hands were two bowls of hot wontons.

“I saw you moving back here last night.”

“I think it must be very inconvenient for me to take care of three children alone.”

She placed two bowls on the table.

“Eat quickly.”

“Feed the children too.”

“It's shrimp filling, the shell is very thin.”

I said I haven't paid yet. Ms. Tran immediately waved her hand.

“What kind of money?”

“It's all neighbors.”

Smell the fragrance. Niem An immediately ran over. Obediently call:

“Thank you, aunt.”

Ms. Tran squatted down and looked at the boy.

“Oh my god, this kid is really handsome.”

She looked at the two twins sleeping on the bed. Look at me again. Don't ask anything. Just pat me on the shoulder.

“Just tell me what you want to eat later.”

Niem An actually ate two bowls of wontons at once. I found a job as a night shift cashier at a convenience store. Working hours are from ten o'clock in the evening to six o'clock in the morning. During the day, you can stay home and take care of your children. In the store there were only me and the owner. She is a woman in her forties. Listen, I have to raise three children alone. She didn't ask any more questions. Immediately accepted me to work.

“What will the children do at night?”

“I'll let the eldest brother look after you two.”

“He's just over three years old, right?”

“Is it okay?”

I was silent for a few seconds. Then smiled softly.

“It's okay whether it's okay or not.”

Every night before going out to work, I carefully lock the door and close the windows. Hot water, powdered milk, cookies... all are placed where Niem An can reach. I teach my children:

“If you two cry, touch my face and see what happens.”

“If you're hungry, make some milk.”

“Mom will be home when morning comes.”

Every time Niem An nodded vigorously.

“Mom, just go.”

“I will take good care of them.”

The first day of work, I almost ran home all the way. When opening the door. The twins are sleeping very soundly in bed. Niem An also fell asleep on the side of the bed. Still clutching the milk bottle in her hand. Half of the milk in the bottle was spilled. The bed sheet was wet in a large area. I gently adjusted the three children's sleeping position. Cover the blanket carefully. Then sat down next to the bed. I really want to take a nap. My eyelids were so heavy that I couldn't open them. But it took me a long time to sleep. Every day, my total intermittent sleep time is only about four hours. I forced myself to sleep. Otherwise, there will be no strength left to endure the next day. Wages at convenience stores are not high. 3,200 yuan a month. The night shift lasts ten hours. During the day, I also take on manual work. Stringing beads, sewing labels... Combined, each month they earn nearly 5,000 yuan. Ms. Tran does not take money for wontons. So I often help her wash dishes and pick vegetables. Life is patched up little by little like that. There was a late night. The convenience store doesn't have many customers. The hostess cooked two bowls of noodles. The two sat opposite each other while eating and chatting. Eat at once. She suddenly asked:

“A good girl like you, why is your husband so patient? Are you willing to leave me alone to raise three children?”

The chopsticks in my hand stopped. Then I laughed.

“I don't know what to do.”

“Who said I volunteered that year?”

The bowl of noodles is very hot. It was so hot that my eye sockets were stinging. Almost a month has passed. Deputy Canh Sam did not have any news. Outside the date of completion of divorce proceedings. I received a text message from the civil service. I looked at the phone screen for a long time. Then delete it. Doesn't leave any trace. But someone else called me. That day in the afternoon. I was squatting in front of the alley door picking vegetables. Niem An led the twins to sit in a row on the doorstep. Three brothers held small tree branches and drew doodles on the ground. The phone rings. It's a strange number. I dried my hands and picked up the phone. On the other end of the line was a woman's voice. Yet familiar.

“May I ask, are you To Van?”

"It's me. May I ask who you are?”

“I am On Di Tinh.”

She stopped for a moment.

“Maybe Canh Sam has mentioned me before.”

The vegetable leaves in my hand fell into the basin of water. Sprinkle a few small drops of water. Of course I know On Di Tinh. White moon light in Pho Canh Sam's heart. Good family background. They are a talented and beautiful couple recognized by their entire circle of friends.

“Ever mentioned.”

I picked up the vegetables. His voice was so calm that even I was surprised.

“Miss Wen, are you looking for me for something?”

There was a soft laugh on the other end of the line.

“Nothing important.”

“I just want to confirm whether Canh Sam is really divorced or not.”

"Someone in the company is talking about this, I still don't believe it."

“He said you proactively asked for a divorce.”

“After signing the papers, I left.”

“Very definitely.”

When saying those words. Her tone was not provocative at all. On the contrary, it's a bit confusing. Like it's really incomprehensible. Why would anyone actively leave a man like Pho Canh Sam?

“That's right.”

“Divorced.”

“Congratulations you two.”

“What congratulations?”

“We are just normal friends.”

She added casually.

“But if you say so, I thank you for your accomplishment on his behalf.”

The call ended. I placed the phone next to the water basin. Continue picking vegetables. Niem An raised her head to look at me.

“Mom, who's calling?”

“Just a certain girl.”

“I'm not used to it.”

Niem An replied. Then bowed his head and continued drawing. Ms. Tran came out of the house. As soon as I saw his face, I was stunned.

“Van Van, what's wrong with you?”

I wiped my face with my hand. That's when I realized my face was full of water.

“It's okay.”

“Water splashes up while washing vegetables.”

That phone call didn't hurt me too much. What makes me sad is...