My Mister

Chapter 16

As their conversation continued to flow effortlessly, Amanda's voice carried a lightheartedness that lifted Mia's spirits. Amidst their banter and laughter, Amanda suddenly exclaimed, "You know what, Mia? Ethan hasn't said hi to you in ages! Let me turn on Facetime so he can say hi."

Mia couldn't help but smile at the thought of seeing Ethan's bright face. "That sounds lovely, Mandy," she replied warmly.

Within moments, the screen flickered to life, and Mia's heart swelled as she saw Ethan's beaming face on the other end of the call. "Hi, Aunt Mia!" Ethan exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement.

"Hey there, champ!" Mia replied, her voice brimming with affection. "How's my favorite little guy doing?"

Ethan's eyes lit up with joy as he launched into a rapid-fire account of his day, regaling Mia with tales of playground adventures and imaginary battles. Mia listened intently, her heart swelling with love for the young boy who held a special place in her heart.

As Ethan's animated chatter filled the Facetime call, Mia couldn't help but be drawn into his infectious enthusiasm. "Guess what, Aunt Mia!" Ethan exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement. "Today in kindergarten, I learned how to write the letter G!"

Mia's heart swelled with pride at Ethan's accomplishment. "That's fantastic, Ethan!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with pride. "I knew you could do it. You're such a smart little guy."

Ethan beamed at Mia's words, his smile widening as he continued to regale her with tales of his adventures in kindergarten. "And guess what else?" he added eagerly. "We're learning all about butterflies! Did you know that caterpillars turn into butterflies? It's so cool!"

Mia listened intently as Ethan excitedly shared everything he had learned about butterflies, his enthusiasm contagious. "Wow, Ethan, that's amazing!" she replied, her voice filled with genuine interest. "I didn't know that. You're going to be a butterfly expert in no time!"

As Ethan's bedtime approached, Amanda smiled warmly at Mia through the screen. "Well, Mia, it's been great catching up, but I need to get this little rascal to bed," she said with a chuckle. "Say goodnight to Aunt Mia, Ethan."

"Goodnight, Aunt Mia!" Ethan exclaimed, waving enthusiastically before disappearing from view.

"Goodnight, Ethan!" Mia replied, her heart feeling lighter after their conversation.

With a final wave, Amanda ended the Facetime call, leaving Mia alone in her apartment once again. Setting her plate down on the coffee table, Mia sank into the cushions of her couch, feeling the weight of the day slowly melting away.

Turning on the TV, Mia scrolled through her list of Netflix shows, searching for something to watch as she ate her dinner. Eventually settling on a light-hearted comedy, she settled back against the cushions, the comforting glow of the screen washing over her.

As she took a bite of her meal, Mia couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her. Despite the challenges she faced in her personal and professional life, moments like these—quiet evenings spent alone with her thoughts—reminded her of the simple joys that filled her life.

As Mia stepped through the doors of Hillsong Elementary the next day, she was greeted by the sight of Sebastian waiting for her in the front office. His presence took her by surprise, and she couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves in her stomach as she approached him.