"Where is she?"

Brendan stared at him, utterly surprised. Sean's voice trembled a bit, but his eyes held a clear and hopeful gaze.

Brendan finally calmed down and looked behind him. "There, that's your mother."

This was the first time Sean had spoken. Deirdre felt her mind buzzing. When she snapped back to reality, she extended her hand. "Sean, come here."

Sean's eyes held gentle amazement. He was intelligent—perhaps he had sensed it on the way there. Thus, his feelings were a blend of happiness and satisfaction.

He felt joy that Deirdre was going to be his mother.

Being a kid, he took a few steps but couldn't stop his tears, holding onto Deirdre firmly.

Deirdre suppressed her own urge to cry and crouched down, wiping away his tears. "Do you... hate mom for not being there and not recognizing you?"

Sean shook his head frantically. "As long as you're here… That's enough…"

Deirdre hugged him tightly, and Brendan approached, wrapping them both in his embrace.

When they brought S