Today was special. My baby had won Student of the Week, and I wasn't about to miss the chance to celebrate with him.
I spotted Omari at his table right away. He was sitting with a huge smile, his little legs swinging under the seat as he happily dug into his ice cream cup.
I couldn't help but beam as I made my way over to him, feeling a swell of pride in my chest.
He looked so adorable.
"There's my superstar!" I said, sliding into the seat next to him. He grinned even wider, ice cream smudged around his mouth.
"Hey, Mommy!" he said between spoonfuls, his eyes lighting up when he saw me.
I pulled out my phone, ready to capture this moment. "Say cheese, baby!" I sang, holding the camera up.
Omari flashed his toothy grin, his cheeks full of ice cream. I snapped a couple of pictures,
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"You know Mommy is so proud of you, right?" I said, my voice soft as I wiped a bit of ice cream off his cheek.
He nodded enthusiastically, his big brown eyes looking up at me with pure happiness.
"Yeah, I know,"
I wrapped my arm around his shoulder, pulling him closer for a hug. "You're my smart, kind boy. I'm so lucky to have you." He leaned into me, resting his head on my arm.
"Is Daddy coming?"
I froze, my smile slipping from my face as memories of that night with Kevin flashed through my mind. The things he did, the fear I felt.
I swallowed hard, looking down at Omari, his wide, curious eyes searching my face for an answer.
How could I explain this to him?
"Mari, I don't—" I started, but the words stuck in my throat, tangled up in all the emotions I was trying to hold back.
He reached out, placing his tiny hand over mine, like he knew what I was feeling without me even saying it. "Mommy, it's okay if he doesn't come," he said softly, shaking his head. "I don't want him to anyway. I don't like how Daddy treats you."
Hearing that from my baby broke me a little more inside. He shouldn't have to feel this way; he shouldn't have to notice these things.
But here he was, so much more perceptive than I gave him credit for. He was just a child, yet he was picking up on things no child should ever have to witness.
I pulled him into my arms, hugging him
In that moment, I realized how strong he really was—how strong we were together. I kissed the top of his head, holding him close.
