Hearts Collide (Lingorm)

Chapter 28

Amelia clung to Becky's leg, her little hands gripping tightly while she whined, "Mommy, please let me go play! I'll be right there! I wanna playyyy" She pointed to a small play area a few feet away, her eyes pleading.

Becky, glancing around the room, wasn't having it. Not today, not with everything going on. "Amelia, sweetie, why don't you just stay here with me? You've got your iPad, or we can color together." She tried to sound upbeat, but the tension in her voice was obvious.

Amelia, ever stubborn, shook her head vigorously, her curls bouncing. "No! I don't want the iPad. I want to play over there!" She pointed again, making it clear she wasn't backing down.

Before Becky could try again, Orm chimed in, sensing her frustration. "Hey, it's literally just a few feet away. I can take her and keep an eye on her. No big deal."

Amelia's eyes lit up instantly, and she spun around to look at Orm, her face practically glowing with excitement. "Really, Mommy? Pleaseee?"

Becky sighed, running a hand through her hair. She knew it was safe enough, especially with Orm there, but she couldn't shake the unease in her gut. "Alright, but be careful, okay? Stay where I can see you both."

Amelia squealed with joy, already pulling Orm toward the play area. Becky watched them go, but not before adding, "And don't let her out of your sight,  Orm!"

Orm gave her a thumbs-up, while Amelia was already running ahead. "Don't worry, I've got her. She'll be within sight the whole time."

Back by Becky, Elissa was perched comfortably on Anton's lap, her tiny fingers tangled in his beard. She was gently tugging and massaging his face like it was some sort of game. Anton chuckled, not minding one bit, as he absentmindedly bounced her on his knee.