After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Arnold finally spoke, his tone even. "He's my son too. I'll take care of him."

At this, Grandma's expression darkened. "Take care of him?" she repeated sharply. "When he was young, you barely spent time with him. It was always Nora who held him when he was sick, Nora who taught him how to read, Nora who comforted him. And now, you speak as if you've always been the one by his side."

Arnold's jaw tightened, but he didn't argue. Instead, he simply stated, "I'll rectify that."

Grandma let out a weary sigh, closing her eyes briefly. "Just don't take too long, Arnold," she said. "Children grow up faster than you realize."

Checking his watch, Arnold rose from his seat. "I have to go. Alex's flight has landed.. You take care of yourself and I will remember whatever you have said..." She gave a faint smile...

Without waiting for a response, he turned and left the room.

The airport was bustling with travelers, families reuniting with warm embraces, friends laughing as they exchanged gifts.

Amid the crowd, a small boy ran forward, his face lighting up with excitement as he spotted Arnold and

Linda.

"Dad! Linda!" Alex's voice was bright with joy as he threw himself into their arms. Arnold caught him effortlessly, ruffling his hair in greeting.

Linda crouched down to his level, smiling warmly. "Did you miss us?"

Alex nodded enthusiastically. "I brought gifts for you!" He rummaged through his small bag, pulling out souvenirs from his trip-small trinkets, postcards, and a scarf he had picked out for Arnold. "I thought you'd like this, Dad."

Arnold took the scarf, feeling the soft fabric between his fingers. "Thank you," he said, though his expression remained unreadable.

On the drive home, Alex was restless with excitement. He had been away for a while, and though he had enjoyed his travels, he was most eager to see his mother.

1345

After I left. Alpha father and son went craz

As soon as they pulled into the driveway, he unbuckled his seatbelt in a hurry, pushing open the door before the car had even fully stopped.

He ran inside, calling out eagerly, "Mom!"

His voice echoed through the house. But there was no response. Frowning slightly, he turned back toward Arnold. "Where's Mom?" Arnold's tone was casual, almost indifferent. "She's not here."

Alex hesitated, as if he hadn't quite understood. "What do you mean? Where is she?"

Arnold simply gestured toward his phone. "Call and find out yourself."

Alex froze. He thought back to the past few days-the countless times he had called his mother while he was abroad, waiting for her to answer, only to be met with silence.

She hadn't picked up. Not once.noveldrama

He had convinced himself that she was just busy. That she would be there when he came back. That she would pick him up from the airport, like she always did.

But she hadn't.

And now, standing in a house that suddenly felt unfamiliar, realization sank in. She wasn't coming.

The joy that had filled him only moments ago evaporated. His small hands clenched at his sides, his lips pressing together as a wave of disappointment crashed over him.

Arnold, watching his reaction closely, crouched down to his level. He reached out, lightly poking Alex's cheek. "Are you crying?" he asked, his voice teasing.

Alex jerked his head up, blinking rapidly. "No." His voice was stiff, defensive. Arnold smirked slightly. "Good."

But deep down, Arnold knew... that nothing would make him feel calm and the child missed his mother..

After dinner, Alex sat on the edge of his bed, flipping his phone in his hand, his fingers hesitating over the call button. The past month had been filled with unanswered calls, yet he couldn't shake the habit of dialing the number anyway. Maybe tonight would be different. Maybe this time, Mom would pick up. He pressed the call button and waited.

13:45

After left, Alpha father and son went craz

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On the other end, Nora was seated at her desk, her workspace illuminated by a single study lamp. The soft hum of a heater filled the otherwise silent room. Stacks of notes, printed documents, and her laptop were spread before her- Colton had given her a set of files to go through, and she was completely engrossed in them.

When her phone vibrated against the table, she glanced at it absentmindedly. Alex.

Without much thought, she picked up the call, placing the phone between her ear and shoulder. "Hello?" Her voice was flat, her attention still on the text in front of her.

On the other end, Alex's heart leaped. She picked up! For the first time in weeks, he actually heard her voice. A grin broke out on his face.

"Mommy! It's me!" He spoke with excitement, sitting up straighter. "I just got back to the pack today. It feels good to be home. I missed it so much, and I-"