It was destined to be a sleepless night.
The next morning, Patrick knocked on the door.
"Honey, Harry, it's time to get up and go to school. I have made breakfast for you."
Patrick was still in yesterday's clothes, clearly having stayed up all night.
Meeting my gaze, he smiled awkwardly, "Honey, I'm not very good at cooking, and it's a bit burnt. You'll have to make do with it."
I remained expressionless and took Harry to the bathroom to wash up. Patrick followed and added attentively, "After breakfast, I'll take Harry to kindergarten."
With a long face, Harry pouted and said discontentedly, "I'll catch the school bus at the entrance of the residential complex. You don't need to take me there. The kindergarten doesn't serve burnt breakfast anyway."
Patrick was choked and stood there in a daze.
In the past, to ensure he could work without worry, I handled everything for Harry on my own.
Patrick's sole responsibility was to dedicate time to accompanying him and guiding him in forming correct views on the world, life, and values.
After quickly washing up, I put a small schoolbag on Harry's back and prepared to go out.
Patrick suddenly said, "Honey, can we have a talk?"
"Sure. Let's meet at 10 a.m. at Oasis Café."
Patrick nodded repeatedly. "Okay, I will arrive on time."
After sending Harry to school, I drove to the bakery. The enticing aroma momentarily eased my worries.
Two shop assistants who were stocking the goods came over.
"Ms. Murphy, you haven't been here for a few days. We thought perhaps you were prioritizing your family over the bakery now."
I smiled wryly, stepped aside, and grabbed a donut.
I took a bite, and my mouth was full of bitterness.
As more customers arrived, the shop assistants grew increasingly busy. I pitched in to pack the food, but they complained that I was too slow.
It felt like I never seemed to fit in anywhere I went.
"Ms. Murphy, please go home and take a nap. You are really not needed here."
I shrugged, exited the bakery, and prepared to head to the café.
I arrived half an hour early and ordered a latte to wake myself up.
I tried to avoid thinking about anything else, but my mind kept replaying everything about Rachel.
A month ago, Patrick brought her home for the first time. She liked Harry very much and kept praising him for his intelligence and talent when teaching him to play the piano.