"cut from the same cloth" - their story.

Chapter 35 - thoughts

As the call ended and the laughter of her children faded from the screen, a wave of overwhelming emotion washed over Charlotte. She had been holding onto her joy and hope, but now the absence of her children hit her with full force. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she couldn't hold them back any longer.She burst into tears, her body trembling with the intensity of her sobs. Mia, who had been sitting beside her, immediately pulled her into a tight embrace, her heart aching to see Charlotte in so much pain.

"Oh, Charlotte," Mia whispered, gently rubbing her back. "I know you miss them so much. It's okay to cry."

Charlotte clung to Mia, her tears soaking into Mia's shirt. 

"I miss them so much, Mia. Every day, I think about them, and it hurts so much not being able to see them, to hold them."

Mia tightened her hold, her own eyes misting with sympathy. 

"I know, love. I can't even begin to imagine how hard this is for you. But you're such a wonderful mother, and they know how much you love them."

Charlotte's sobs gradually began to subside, though tears still streamed down her face. 

"I just... I feel so guilty sometimes. Like I'm not there for them the way I should be."

Mia gently lifted Charlotte's face, looking into her eyes with unwavering support. 

"You are an incredible mother, Charlotte. Your children know that you love them more than anything. And we'll find a way to see them more often, to make more memories together. You're not alone in this."

Charlotte nodded, taking a shaky breath.

 "Thank you, Mia. I just... I needed to let it out."

Mia kissed her forehead, holding her close. 

"Anytime, my love. I'm here for you, always."

They sat together in silence for a while, the emotional weight gradually lifting as they found comfort in each other's presence. Mia's reassuring words and loving touch helped soothe Charlotte's aching heart, giving her the strength to face the challenges ahead. Later that evening, as they prepared for bed, Charlotte felt a renewed sense of determination. She knew that the journey ahead wouldn't be easy, but with Mia by her side, she felt ready to take it on.As they lay in bed, Charlotte snuggled close to Mia, her heart still heavy but filled with hope.

 "Thank you for being here for me," she whispered.

"Always," Mia replied, kissing her gently. "We'll get through this together."

And with that, they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other's arms, their hearts intertwined with love, hope, and the promise of a brighter future. The next day, Charlotte and Mia decided to go to the shops, hoping a change of scenery might lighten their spirits. As they walked through the aisles, Mia noticed Charlotte's gaze lingering on the baby section. Charlotte's fingers brushed against the soft fabrics of tiny onesies, her eyes reflecting a mix of longing and uncertainty.Mia observed silently for a moment, noting how Charlotte's focus seemed to be drawn toward anything baby-related. Finally, unable to contain her curiosity, Mia gently took Charlotte's hand and guided her away from the display.

"You've been looking at a lot of baby stuff," Mia said softly, her eyes searching Charlotte's face. "Is there something you want to talk about?"

Charlotte blinked, a hint of surprise in her eyes before she quickly composed herself. 

"Oh, I'm just looking for Autumn and Winter," she replied, a bit too quickly. "You know, with everything they've been going through, I thought it might be nice to get them something."