The child was shuddering. Jerlina didn't know if it was fright or cold. But seeing her mother in a pool of blood is a tribulation for a child of any age much less a toddler.
"Mommy will be fine, Cia," Jerlina hugged the child close to warm her.
Her eyes watered remembering the promise she made with Scarlett that she would take care of Cia in case of her early passing.
Please don't collect on the promise yet, Scar… Please…
Hiding her tears with an affirming smile, Jerlina brought Cia back to their house. Cia was oddly silent. She is a smart child after all and she has realized the tense situation. Scarlett was talking about teaching Cia to ask for help in case of emergencies. Cia followed through her mother's words bravely but she still is a child.
After informing Jeremy, she bathed and changed Cia. She tried to feed Cia but she was not eating.
"Mommy," Cia said. "Want mommy…"
And that's all she said.