"Mommy, don't worry, I understand," Linda said sweetly, nodding obediently.
"Then Mommy has to go now." Emma, unable to find another excuse to stay, placed Linda back in her seat and stood up to leave. As she turned, she gave Linda a meaningful wink.
"Mommy, I'll miss you! When will you come again?" Linda's lips trembled as she spoke, her voice thick with tears.
Emma's eyes reddened. "Mommy will miss you too, darling."
She wiped her tears and looked pitifully at Gilbert, who said nothing in return.
With no response, Emma reluctantly added, "Linda, be good, study hard, and listen to your daddy and Aunt Claire. Mommy will come visit when she has time."
Sniffling, she bent down again to hug and kiss Linda repeatedly, looking utterly unwilling to leave.
Linda clung to her mother, sobbing. "Mommy, don't worry. When I grow up, I'll buy a big house and bring you and Daddy to live together!"
