Decoupled • KTH ✔

Chapter 48

Maya

"Maya, Jang-Mi already spoke to me this morning. She was also concerned about Areum," Layla informs me once it's just the two of us in the living room.

This new information takes me by surprise, although I shouldn't be surprised because Jang-Mi must also be battling the same emotions as Taehyung, and she would also have to handle Areum by herself, and just like him, she would also have to face the same set of questions from Areum.

"Oh! Really?" I nod, letting my words hang at that because I can see how professional Layla is, and I know it for a fact that she will not give me any details.

It isn't ethical, and I am also not expecting to know anything from her.

"Yeah, we spent a lot of time talking, and I guess both Taehyung and Jang-Mi are mentally ready for the separation. That part shouldn't be a problem at all," she says with a smile, also subtly hinting that only that part of the process is going to be problem-free.

I only nod in response, and then she continues talking.

"I've known Areum since her birth, and she is a very sensitive child, but she is also very forgiving, kind and full of love. However, I want you to understand that she will tend to be over protective and possessive over her father during the initial period, and maybe even for longer. But you shouldn't let that affect you or your spirits. You need to be really strong because even though kids don't take things to heart, adults tend to amplify the little things said and done by children and take it too personally and get offended as well," Layla's tone is solemn, and she makes her point clear.

"Like, she might sometimes out of anger and disappointment say that she hates you or she doesn't ever want to be near you or things like that, and compare you and Jang-Mi over many things, for example. These might sound very mean, but the thing is that it is going to be a tough time for her, and children are still learning to identify their emotions and their reactions to it. I mean, most adults are still so bad at it. So it makes no sense to take offense for what a young child says," she adds with a warm and friendly smile.

"I can understand," I register this point as well within my head for future assistance.

"But whatever it is, you should not allow disrespect at any cost. She should eventually learn and understand that whether she likes you or not, you will still be the woman in her father's life, and she cannot disrespect you or Taehyung and not bat an eyelid about it," she pauses for a while and continues speaking when I acknowledge her words, nodding.

"Children learn more through play and observation, so make sure you work on these areas. Keep in mind that Areum should gradually learn to accept that her parents chose her, as well as their own happiness and peace. Use your words carefully, respect her, and take it slow with her," she states in a very composed manner, and at this point, I have learned something about Layla.

It is that she will give us all the answers with an air of mystery around it. She will not spoon-feed the answers, but she will let us untangle the mess and organize our lives on our own with the wisdom that her words impart in our minds.

She is the second most amazing woman that I have met, through Taehyung again, and I can't be more thankful.

But the saddest truth is that motherhood is not something that every woman who is so good with children, and also has an amazing heart and mind gets blessed with—just like Layla. It has been over ten years since Jin and Layla are married, and I learned from Taehyung that they haven't had a single pregnancy in all these years.

My heart aches for them, and I pray that this deserving woman and her loving husband should be blessed with at least a handful of children.

"Layla, you're so wise and amazing. I will keep everything in mind and try my best with Areum," I pour out my words of praise for her, and she smiles big in response, nodding.