A New Life

Six Months Later

“Leon!” Roseanne called out.

Leon came running. From the other room, his muffled voice answered, “Yes, Mommy?”

Roseanne crossed her arms and said sternly, “Nathaniel Hart!”

Leon’s eyes widened. When his mother used his full name, it meant he was in trouble.

“Open your mouth,” Roseanne instructed. He obeyed, and she gasped. “Did you forget that I had to drive you to the dentist in the middle of the night last week? And now you’re eating cookies again!”

Her frustration was palpable. She shouted, “Maria!”

Maria hurried over. “Yes, boss?”

Roseanne scolded her, “You gave Leon cookies again? I specifically told everyone not to! But he shows you his cute face, and you all melt! How am I supposed to run my café if you can’t follow simple instructions?”

Leon whispered, “Mommy, I’m sorry.”

Roseanne gave him an angry look before storming out of the café.

Leon said, “Maria, I’m sorry. I put you in trouble. I stole these cookies from the jar in Mommy’s office. It wasn’t your fault.