5 years ago


    "Mama, look at the pretty flower!" Katharina showed Eva the flower. "Mama, I got a big fish" Felix should her.


    Eva smiled warmly at both children. "That''s a beautiful flower, Katharina," she said, gently touching the petals. "And Felix, that''s an impressive fish! You did a great job."


    Katharina giggled and ran to Eva, wrapping her small arms around her mother''s leg. "Can we keep the flower, Mama? I want to put it in a vase."


    Eva nodded, lifting Katharina into her arms. "Of course, sweetie. We''ll find a nice vase for it when we get home."


    Felix beamed with pride, holding up his catch. "Can we cook the fish for dinner, Mama?"


    Eva ruffled his hair affectionately. "Absolutely, Felix. We''ll have a delicious dinner tonight."


    As they walked back towards the riverbank where I was sitting, Eva''s eyes met mine, and she smiled. "Looks like our little adventurers had a successful day," she said.


    I smiled back, feeling a deep sense of contentment. "They sure did. How about we have a picnic by the river before we head home?"


    "That sounds wonderful," Eva replied, setting Katharina down. "Let''s spread out the blanket and enjoy the afternoon."


    We all settled down on the blanket, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the gentle breeze. Katharina played with her flower, and Felix proudly recounted his fishing adventure. It was one of those perfect moments that I wished could last forever.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    But after they kids fell asleep she sighed "Master, how does one love their children?" "Do matter how much I looked at them I just can''t love them, as a matter of fact I don''t love anything"


    "Tch, you never cared about about anything but yourself" almost forgot how much of a bitch she is.


    I sighed, looking down at the sleeping children. "Love is not something you force, Eva. It''s something that grows naturally when you truly care for someone."


    Eva crossed her arms, a bored expression on her face. "Well, I guess I''m just not cut out for it. They''re your responsibility anyway."


    I clenched my fists, trying to keep my anger in check. "They are our children, Eva. They deserve love and care from both of us."


    She rolled her eyes. "Save the lecture, Artorian. You know I''m here because it''s convenient. Not because I feel anything."


    I looked at the kids, their peaceful faces a stark contrast to the tension between us. "Just because you can''t feel love doesn''t mean you can''t try to make their lives better. They deserve that much."


    Eva shrugged, clearly uninterested. "I''ll do what I can, but don''t expect miracles."


    I knew I couldn''t change her, but I also knew I had to protect and love our children enough for both of us. I gently stroked Katharina''s hair, promising myself that I would always be there for them, no matter what.


    "Don''t kill yourself just yet, I''m planning on


    leaving," Eva said.


    "Kill myself?" I asked, my voice tense with


    disbelief. I had known she planned to leave


    once the children were old enough, but how


    did she know about that?


    "That dagger on your hip is imbued with


    instant poison she said nonchalantly. "You


    were planning on using it, weren''t you?"


    I felt a chill run down my spine. I hadn''t


    thought she would notice. "How did you


    know?"


    She gave a cold smile. "I may not care albout


    much, but I''m not oblivious. I noticed the


    change in your behavior. Besides, it''sa


    common enough solution for someone in your


    situation."


    I looked away, feeling the weight of her


    Words. "I never wanted it to come to this, Eva.


    wanted to believe we could make this work,


    for the kids."


    She laughed, a harsh sound. "That''s your


    problem, Artorian. Always trying to see the


    good in people. But not everyone has good in


    them."


    "Maybe not," I said quietly, "but that doesn''t


    mean I have to give up. I''Il stay for the


    children. They deserve better."


    Eva shrugged. "Suit yourself. But don''t expect me to change. I''m leaving as soon as I can."


    As she turned away, I couldn''t help but feel a


    mix of anger and relief. Anger at her


    callousness, but relief that the toxic


    relationship was nearing its end. I had to


    focus on the kids now, and on finding the


    strength to be there for them, no matter how


    hard it was.


    She cupped my cheeks and looked at me "it''s hard to believe your only 11" she said with a smile, huh? Why does she always bring my age up, is there something wrong with my age.