That evening, Inger sat down with her sons to tell them about her upcoming business trip to London. Nathaniel began to cry, feeling sad about being away from his mother for a whole week.
"Don't worry, Nathaniel," Inger said, trying to comfort her son. "Grandma will be here with you and Wilhelm while I'm gone. You'll have lots of fun with her, I promise."
"But I want you, Mommy," Nathaniel sobbed.
"I know, sweetie, but sometimes Mommy has to go away for work," Inger explained. "But I'll call you every day, and we can talk about all the fun things you and Grandma did while I was away."
Wilhelm was more understanding and offered to help out while his mother was gone. "I can stay and help Grandma with Nathaniel," he said. "I'm sure we'll be able to manage just fine."
Inger smiled at her eldest son, proud of his sense of responsibility. "Thank you, Wilhelm. That's very kind of you. But remember, you're still a kid too, and you should have fun while I'm gone. Just make sure to help Grandma a little bit, okay?"
Wilhelm nodded, promising to be a good helper and have fun at the same time. "Don't worry, Mom. We'll be fine," he said confidently.
Inger hugged both of her sons, feeling grateful for their understanding and support. "I'm so lucky to have such wonderful sons," she said, feeling proud of her family. "I'll miss you both, but I'll be back before you know it."
That evening, Inger had gathered her sons and proclaimed unto London her lonesome news of the business trip. Nathaniel went into a fit of peptic tears. He could not lose his mom for a span of a week.
"Don't worry, Nathaniel", his mother told him. "Grandma will be taking care of you and Wilhelm while I'm gone. And she's lovely and full of fun, I promise you."
"But I want you, Mommy," Nathaniel whimpered.
"I know, sweetie, but sometimes mom has to go away to work," Inger explained. "But I'll call you any day, and we can talk about all the fun things you and Grandma have done while I'm gone."
Wilhelm was very nice and offered to help his mother when she was absent: "I can stay and help Grandma with Nathaniel. I'm sure we can handle it better."
Smiling proudly, Inger felt responsible for her eldest son. "Thank you, Wilhelm. She's very kind to you. But remember, you're a kid too and are supposed to have fun while I'm gone. Just be sure to help Grandma a little, okay?"
Wilhelm nodded and promised to be a good helper and have fun at the same time. "Don't worry, Mom. We'll be fine," he said confidently.
As the date of departure approached, at the gate, Inger hugged her two boys and felt her gratitude for their understanding and support. "I really have great sons," she said to herself, looking proud of his family. "I'll miss you, but I won't be gone so long; be good," she said in her head.