Interaction

After nearly a week of pacing back and forth in her apartment, Kay stood by the window, her fingers hovering over her phone screen. She had drafted Miss Dora's number more than once, but each time, hesitation gripped her.

If I call her now… she'll think I'm desperate. Obsessed. Hungry for this marriage.

The thought made her chest tighten, but so did the silence. Nothing had moved since her "accidental" meeting with David. He hadn't called. Miss Dora hadn't followed up. And the uncertainty was unbearable.

Her eyes darted to the clock. Monday morning. Perfect. Old people are always in good moods on Mondays, she smirked to herself, trying to mask her nerves.

With one deep breath, she pressed "Call."

Phone ringing…

Kay: Hello?

Miss Dora: Hello?

Kay: Kay here.

Miss Dora: Ohh… my sweet child, Kayyy! (Her voice was warm, soothing like a mother's embrace.)

Kay: Yes, it's me. How are you doing?

Miss Dora: All good, my dear. And what about you?

Kay: I'm doing well, thank you.

Miss Dora: I was just thinking about you! In fact, I was about to call.

Kay: Really?

Miss Dora: Yes, yes. I wanted to ask… your answer. (Her tone lowered, gentle, expectant.)

Kay: Ab—about the proposal?

Miss Dora: Yes, dear.

Kay: So, David hasn't told you anything yet?

Miss Dora: David? Told me what?

Kay: Oh… I suppose he didn't mention it.

Miss Dora: Mention what, child?

Kay: We met. Last Saturday. At the park. He was with Harry. I happened to be there too… and well, we had a small conversation.

Miss Dora: Ohh... is that so?

Kay: Yes. I felt it would be better to meet him once before making any commitments. I hope you don't mind.

Miss Dora: Not at all, my dear! (She chuckled softly.) It's reassuring, honestly. And how was the meeting?

Kay: (Blushing, her tone soft) It was… nice.

Miss Dora: Nice, hmm? Come on now, tell me what you really think.

Kay: (Whispers) I liked him. It's a yes from me.

Miss Dora: (Cheerfully) Ohh, thank goodness! Congratulations, child!

Kay: Thank you… and congratulations to you too.

Miss Dora: We must meet soon, then. I'd love to meet your parents and finalize the engagement dates.

Kay: (Hesitates, voice falters) My… my parents?

Miss Dora: Yes. Is there an issue, dear?

Kay: No, no. Nothing like that.

Miss Dora: Then you'll speak to them?

Kay: Of course.

Miss Dora: Good. I'll wait for your response.

Kay: Actually… they're out of town. So, they can't meet you right now.

Miss Dora: Ohh… I see. When will they return?

Kay: Next week… maybe.

Miss Dora: Maybe?

Kay: Miss Dora… if I may speak frankly. My parents… after my divorce, they've never been the same with me. They still blame me for everything. Say I didn't try hard enough to save the marriage. That I failed them.

Miss Dora: Ohh, my child. I'm so sorry.

Kay: I told them about you. And about David. They said they trust me… but they avoid getting involved.

Miss Dora: That's understandable. And I admire your honesty.

Kay: Thank you. As soon as they return, I'll arrange a meeting.

Miss Dora: That's fine, dear. No pressure.

Kay: You're very kind. Actually, I have to head to a restaurant now. I'll call you later?

Miss Dora: Sure. Take care of yourself.

Kay: You too. Goodbye.

Miss Dora: Goodbye, my child.

Phone cut.

Miss Dora couldn't stop smiling. Her heart was full of hope. She called out, "Lara!"

The sound of pots clinking in the kitchen halted. Lara wiped her hands and came toward the drawing room.

"She said yes!" Miss Dora beamed.

Lara's face lit up with joy. "Really? Ohh, ma'am, that's wonderful!"

"Yes! She and David already met. Can you believe that? It was destiny," Miss Dora laughed like a girl in her twenties, her silver hair bouncing with her excitement.

They spoke for a while, imagining how the engagement would unfold. Flowers, food, decorations, a little sparkle in their otherwise heavy world.

But the moment David entered the house, the air shifted.

"David," Miss Dora called, unable to hide the glee in her tone, "come here for a second."

He walked into the lounge, his sleeves rolled up, his expression unreadable.

"Tell me," she said, leaning forward with a teasing smile, "how was the meeting?"

David's brows furrowed slightly. "It wasn't planned. She came up to me at the park."

"And?"

"We talked."

"That's it?"

He sighed. "I didn't invite her. She showed up. We talked for a few minutes. That's all."

"Oh come now," she nudged. "What did you think?"

David paused. "She's not a bad option... as a caretaker for Harry. But like I said before, don't expect anything else from me."

He turned and walked away before Miss Dora could say more.

Her smile faded. Behind her, Lara stood quietly, observing everything.

Miss Dora slowly turned toward her. "He still hasn't healed," she whispered.

Lara nodded. "He may not admit it, but he's still living in Maylie's shadow."

Miss Dora's eyes moistened. "I'm not trying to replace Maylie. No one ever could. But Harry needs a mother. David needs a partner—even if he won't admit it."

Lara placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Then let's pray the right truth reveals itself… before a mistake is made."

In the room down the hallway, a small boy's laughter echoed. Harry, just two and a half years old, was playing with his wooden blocks. His soft curls fell over his forehead as he giggled at his own clumsy creation toppling down.

David peeked in and smiled faintly. In Harry's eyes, he saw peace. Hope. And perhaps, everything worth living for.

Outside their world, another child sat in a cramped flat, staring out a dusty window. His name was Kevin. Only four years old, he was Kay's son—a secret she'd buried deep. A child whose innocence was untouched by his mother's selfishness. He was gentle, shy, and longing for affection.

Unlike his mother, Kevin knew how to love—he just hadn't been taught what it meant to be loved back.

But fate, as always, was watching.

And not everything was as smooth as it seemed.