As expected, Emma Smith's question made Thomas Smith's little face reveal a cute smile: "Actually, I just helped Uncle Andrew wash the vegetables and pass the seasoning. He did most of the cooking!"
Emma Smith stroked her son's soft hair, her eyes dark and obscure: "Tommy, Mom has been busy with work lately, so you might need to stay at Uncle Andrew's house for a while, is that okay?"
"Sure." Thomas nodded without hesitation. Obviously, Emma had asked Andrew for help before: "Besides, Uncle Andrew's cooking is so delicious, I wish I could eat it every day!"
Thomas's words made Emma pause. She didn't want to burden Andrew, but in Thomas's eyes, Andrew seemed to have already taken on the role of a father.
"Tommy, do you miss having a dad?"
The question, asked unwittingly by Emma, stunned Thomas too.
Although the little guy didn't understand much, he was very clear about dad. He had never complained about wanting a father. This both relieved and troubled Emma.
