DEADLY DECEPTION

CHAPTER 24

(Rick's POV)

"Mama, let me cut the flower," I said, my voice full of excitement. The flowerbed was a sea of colors, but the periwinkles stood out—brilliant and blue, just like the ones Mama always used in her bouquets.

Mama smiled down at me, her hand resting gently on her baby bump.

"Sure, dear, but remember to be gentle," she said, handing me the cutters with a warm, loving gaze.

She stepped back, her other hand softly caressing her belly again. As I carefully snipped the flower, I noticed Mama's eyes sparkling.

"Mommy, is baby sister kicking you again?"

I asked, peering up at her.

Mama chuckled softly, her fingers tracing a soothing pattern on her bump.

"Yes, dear. Would you tell her to stop?"

I got excited and waddled over to her, placing my little hand on her round belly.

I whispered to the baby, "Stop kicking Mommy. She needs to rest."

Then I planted a gentle kiss on her belly, feeling the warmth and softness beneath my lips.

Just then, Papa walked over, his voice a comforting rumble.

"Lucia, my love, what are you doing here? The doctor asked you to take enough rest."

I spotted Papa and, with a burst of energy, ran towards him, launching myself into his arms. He caught me effortlessly and showered me with kisses, making me giggle uncontrollably. Papa walked towards Mama, still carrying me, and gave her a loving peck on the lips.

He placed his hand on Mama's bump and asked, "How is the princess doing?"

Mama grinned up at him, her eyes twinkling with affection.

"Oh, she's very active today and not letting me do anything. But thanks to my superhero here, who's helping me collect the flowers."

Papa raised an eyebrow playfully.

"Flowers? Don't tell me you're making another bouquet."

I piped up, excitedly, "Papa, it's for you. Mama said you've been working so hard for us. So, she wanted to give you a periwinkle bouquet."

Papa chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that made my heart swell.

"Let me guess, everlasting love?"

Mama laughed and hugged Papa, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

She then turned to me and kissed my forehead, saying, "Wow, you remember it... I'm flattered."

Papa smirked, "How can I not? This is the nth time you're making me a periwinkle bouquet."

Mama chuckled again, her laughter like a gentle breeze.

I jolted awake, the remnants of the dream still clinging to the edges of my mind. The dim light of my study was harsh against my eyelids. I was sprawled on the sofa, an old comfort I'd rarely used, with papers scattered around me like fallen leaves. I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the drowsiness.

Sitting up, I let the dream linger, the image of my younger self with Mama in the garden, her soft laughter, and the periwinkle flowers. I could almost smell the blossoms, feel the warmth of her touch. Mama had always taken me with her to collect flowers. She'd explain their meanings in a way that made them seem almost magical. Periwinkles for everlasting love. It was her way of grounding me in something beautiful, even as our world became darker.