Opposition From Michael

The sharp knock on the door broke the evening silence. Michael was at the center table with the kids. The homework was almost done; it remained just Clement's own. Emilia rushed out to check the door, but Michael stopped her; he seemed to suspect who the person could be.

"Don't bother Emilia, I will get at the door," Michael said. He stood up and walked straight to the door.

When he opened the door, there stood Sarah, her hands crossed over her chest. She looked tense, but she managed to maintain her composure.

"Michael," the tone of her voice was rude. "We need to talk."

Michael was still holding the edge of the door; he never wanted her to come in. "About what, Sarah?"

She let out an annoying sigh. "The children, Michael. I want them back, they will be fine in my custody."

Michael's ears tingled. "This is not a good time for that." He moved his gaze to where Clara and Clement sat; the children were not aware their mother was outside the door.

"Michael, don't shut me out," Sarah insisted, stepping closer. "I'm their mother. I have every right to take them to my place"

"Yes, You had the right," Michael cut in, his voice low and steady, "but you walked out on them. On us."

Sarah felt guilty, but she quickly hid the gestures. "I made a mistake, okay? I was under a lot of pressure. But I've had time to think, and I want to make things right."

Emilia appeared silently at Michael's side, her presence grounding him. She didn't say a word, but her eyes spoke volumes.

"Sarah," Michael began, stepping outside and closing the door behind him, "showing up now to have the kids come to your custody like they are missing things is uncalled for. They are not objects; they are humans like you and I. They have been through a lot, so I will not tolerate anything that can stress their innocent life again, not even from you."

Sarah's lips trembled, but her voice hardened. "I'm their mother, Michael. You can't keep them from me."

Michael couldn't keep his patience again. "The same mother who abandoned them? Who left them confused and heartbroken without an explanation? Do you know how many nights they cried themselves to sleep, asking where you were?"

"You are not the one to tell me this; I know myself. That is why I am here," She raised her voice. "But I am here now to fix them; I have missed them every day."

"You missed them?" Michael asked sarcastically. "I have the right to see them, Michael," She responded sharply.

"They're finally starting to heal. They have stability now, and I won't let you disrupt that."

Sarah took a step closer, her tone shifting to one of desperation. "Michael, please. I'll do better. I will prove it to you. Just let me see them, spend time with them."

Michael nodded in disagreement "Sarah, listen carefully, I don't need you to prove anything to me. Clara and Clement are in a home where they feel loved and secure."

Sarah's eyes filled with tears. "You think I don't love them?"

Michael calmed his voice, "Asking them to come to your custody is not the best way to prove your love to them; you have the best chance to do that, but you decided to do otherwise."

Clara was already behind the door, and the voice sounded familiar to her. She struggled to peep through the tiny opening. "Daddy, who's at the door?"

Michael didn't say anything, he guarded the door more securely, but Sarah had already seen her. She crouched down and called out softly, "Clara, it's Mommy."

Clara's emotions were mixed with excitement and confusion. Emilia stepped closer and guided her back to the living room.

"Clara, let Dad settle this on your behalf. You will be fine" Emilia whispered to Clara.

"You see?" Sarah said, her voice breaking. "She wants to see me. They need their mother, Michael."

Michael's expression hardened again. "They need consistency, Sarah. If you want to be in their lives, you'll need to do it on their terms, not yours."

Sarah straightened, her tears now dry. "Fine," she said coldly. "If you're not going to let me see them, I'll find another way."

Michael's heart sank at the threat, but he composed himself. "Sarah, do whatever you want. As much as I live I won't let anyone hurt those kids again."

Without another word, Sarah turned and walked away. Michael watched her go, a storm of emotions filled him up. Emilia was waiting for him in the living room.

"Are you okay?" she asked softly.

Michael nodded positively, "I'm fine. But this isn't over. She threatened to do it the other way round"

"No," Emilia agreed, placing a hand on his arm. "But whatever happens, you're not alone in this."

Michael gave her a grateful smile, then turned his attention back to the children.

"Clara, you are fine with me here. I love you and I don't want anything to happen to you and Clement," Michael let out words of comfort to the kids.

Emilia hugged Clara and placed her on her lap. "You will be fine, my angel. Your dad and I will do everything to make sure you enjoy the best of life."

"Thank you ma," Clara said softly.

Michael turned to Emilia, "Thank you Emilia. I am grateful for your presence ". Emilia had decided to stay permanently with the kids. She doesn't go and return.

"I need to go to bed now, I have an interview tomorrow morning. As early as possible." he stood up and left the kids with her in the living room.

"Good night, Michael," Emilia whispered to him.

"Good night Dad," Clara said joyfully. "Do you want to go to bed too?" Emilia asked the kids.

"No, we want to stay with you more," Clement answered from where he was sitting. He has been quiet for a while. He seems to have a stronger heart than Clara.

Emilia smiled, "All right, I will stay with you till you are ready to go to bed." Emilia suggested their favorite game, and they all laughed as they played the game together.