Chapter 25 — The Husband's Secret

If I couldn't help but question right then and there. Perhaps things have taken a different turn. I was so scared that my palms sweated. But Vien Vien suddenly laughed. She reached out her tiny hand and grabbed my finger. At that moment, I gradually calmed down. I don't do every step perfectly. I was scared, I cried, I panicked. But I never let go. That's enough. Spring came, Vien Vien turned one year old. On my birthday, I don't have a big party. Only invited my mother and a few close friends. The cake was very small, the frosting was not very nice. But Vien Vien was extremely happy. She smeared the cream all over her hand, then applied it to my face. My mother laughed endlessly. I also laughed. After laughing, tears suddenly fell. A year ago, I was lying on the sofa, listening to Aunt Khuong say "brother". At that moment, my world felt like it was split in half. I thought I would fall into the abyss. But then I realized that being a mother is not without fear. But even though you're scared, you still have to move forward steadily. In the evening, after Vien Vien fell asleep, I sat by the bed and arranged my child's clothes. I fold each little sock one by one. Milk bottles no longer need to be rinsed three times. The baby also ate half a small bowl of steamed eggs. Sometimes I still think about that morning. The sunlight was obscured by the curtains. The white ceramic bowl has a few spoon scraping marks. Aunt Khuong softly hummed a melody that did not belong to me. The words "two brothers" used to make me feel cold all over. Thinking back now, my heart still hurts. But no more panic. Because I know, Vien Vien might have a brother. But she's not a bone marrow donor to anyone. Not a backup plan for anyone's hopes. Nor is it a patch on any adult's lies. She is just my daughter. A child deserves to be loved a lot, protected well, and grow up slowly. Vien Vien turned over on the bed. The baby closed her eyes and her small mouth moved. The voice was very quiet, but clear. "Mom." I was stunned. The next second, tears fell. I leaned down and kissed my child's warm face. "I'm here." "I'll always be here."