"Ah..." Just then, Betty let out a startled yelp. She had been lying on her side facing Michael, and because she was trying to comfort him, she was very close. When Michael turned his head suddenly, their lips nearly touched. Luckily, Betty instinctively pulled back just in time.
"You kid, it's so late and you still want to chat?" Betty glanced at her phone for the time, her tone gentle and not at all stern.
"I just want to know, how did you meet him?" Michael asked curiously, seemingly eager to know the answer.
"Him? Who are you talking about?" Betty was momentarily puzzled by Michael's question.
"Just him, the guy next door..." Michael said, pointing in the direction of mine and Betty's bedroom.
"Michael, I know you're not ready to call him 'dad' yet, but you can't just refer to him as 'the guy next door.' It's really disrespectful, you know? You should remember, he's the one who took care of everything after your parents passed away. He handled all the adoption procedures and everything else that needed to be done. "
"You're still young, but as you grow up, you'll understand just how much he's done for you. You might not always get along with me, but you must never treat him poorly. If you don't want to call him 'dad' right now, you can call him 'uncle,' but don't just point at him or refer to him so casually," Betty said, her face turning stern as she noticed Michael pointing in my direction. It was clear that Michael's casual reference and gesture were disrespectful and impolite towards me.
Seeing Michael's impoliteness towards her husband, Betty's expression soured instantly. She took on the stern demeanor of a teacher, yet her voice remained soft as she firmly reprimanded Michael.
Feeling Betty's defense of me warmed my heart. Lately, I had been feeling a bit jealous, thinking that Michael had replaced me as the number one in Betty's heart, relegating me to a perpetual second place.
But seeing Betty stand up for me reassured me that I still held a significant place in her heart. However, upon reflection, I felt a bit petty for competing with a child for attention.
How was I supposed to be a father figure if I behaved like this? I shook my head, trying to dismiss these childish thoughts.
"I'm sorry... I didn't mean it like that. I just don't really understand all these adult nuances," Michael said, his face showing a mix of confusion and hurt. Tears seemed ready to spill from his eyes as he quickly apologized to Betty. He then slowly turned away from her, lying on his side.
"It's okay, I was a bit harsh just now. You're still young, and I should be more understanding. I'm sorry, let's make up," Betty said, her eyes softening with remorse as she realized she might have unintentionally added to his distress. She gently patted Michael, trying to comfort him with a smile.
"Let's not be upset anymore. Mommy will hold you close and we can sleep together tonight," Betty said as she gently turned Michael back around so they were facing each other.
Seeing the lingering sadness in his eyes, her expression filled with even more tenderness and affection. Although Michael hadn't yet called her 'mom,' Betty continued to act in the role, hoping to provide him with warmth and maternal love, and to help him accept her sooner.
"It's getting late tonight, and you have school tomorrow. Let's plan for an early night tomorrow, and I'll come over to spend some time with you. Then, I can share some stories about him and me..." Betty said gently, noticing the disappointed look on Michael's face.
Hearing Betty's words, I felt a twinge of discomfort. Why did she refer to me simply as 'him' in her sentence? Even saying 'the story of me and your dad' or 'the story of me and my husband' would have felt more inclusive. I couldn't help but give a wry smile, perhaps Betty was trying to mend some emotional rift in Michael's heart.
"Deal," Michael finally smiled, resting his head on Betty's arm.
"Sleep tight..." Betty whispered, and Michael closed his eyes, seemingly ready to obediently drift off to sleep. Seeing Michael's eyes shut, Betty yawned widely, clearly exhausted. She too prepared to sleep.
Betty shifted to lie on her back, extending an arm for Michael to use as a pillow. Michael, lying on his side facing Betty, seemed comfortable.
Betty, perhaps worn out from teaching, working, and managing household chores, slowly drifted into a deep sleep. Meanwhile, Michael, youthful and less burdened by fatigue, showed no signs of sleepiness.
Hearing Betty's steady breathing indicating she was asleep, he slowly opened his eyes.
Although the room was dimly lit, I could clearly see those eyes opening in the darkness, almost like a wolf's eyes.
For some reason, a sudden fear flashed through my heart. What was about to happen?
My nerves tensed up...