Michael was in the room and just came out of the bedroom. He was stretching himself when suddenly he heard the sound of a car. Alas! It was Emilia; she was holding a small briefcase that contained her luggage.
"Wow! I don't know you will make it so fast." He said with gratitude. "Thank you, Emilia".
Michael couldn't wait for her to enter before he started the conversation with her.
"You should have even allowed me to enter first before you Start the appreciation speech," she said jokingly.
Clement was in the kitchen when he heard Emilia's voice, he quickly jumped out and hugged her. "Aunty, have you come to stay with us?"
Michael forced a smile. "Yes, buddy. She's going to help us for a while."
Clara appeared behind them, holding her teddy bear. "Does that mean she's our new mommy?"
Michael turned, startled. "No, Clara. She's here to help, that's all."
He opened the door to the guest room for her to move her pieces of luggage, just as Emilia reached the porch. "Hi," he said awkwardly. "Thanks for coming, I am indeed grateful ."
Emilia smiled warmly. "Of course. How could I not? Where are my two little troublemakers?"
Clement ran forward, wrapping his arms around her legs. "Miss Emilia!"
She squats down, dressing his hair. "Have you been gentle to Daddy?"
Clement giggles, "Yes, Miss Emilia".
Clara wasn't feeling free to Emilia; she held tight to her teddy bear. Emilia's gaze turned to her as she softened her voice. "My little artist, have you been working on a new drawing recently?".
Clara nodded slowly. "I drew a picture of Mommy yesterday. But she's not here anymore."
Emilia's smile faltered, she looked at Michael. "I am sorry, Clara. I know it's not easy for you to be here without your Mommy. But I promise I will do my best to help your dad take good care of you, okay?"
Clara focused on her like she was reading her mind,after are some moments she nodded positively and moved closer to her.
Emilia held onto the grocery bag. "This is for breakfast. I thought the kids might like pancakes," she said.
"Oh, No. You didn't have to bother yourself getting something again. Your presence alone is enough". Michael said with gratitude.
"It's no trouble," she replied. Glancing around the familiar space. "Everything looks the same… but quieter."
Michael sighed. "Yeah, it's been… different."
The children followed Emilia into the kitchen as she unpacked the groceries. Michael leaned against the counter, watching as she effortlessly engaged them in conversation.
"Clara, do you want to help me mix the batter?"
Clara's face lit up. "Yes!"
Clement tugged on her sleeve. "What about me?"
"You can be my official taste tester," Emilia said with a wink.
The room filled with sounds of joy as they worked together. For the first time in weeks, Michael and the children felt joyous.
"Michael, I would love us to talk once the pancakes are on the table and the children are eating," Emilia said softly.
He nodded, gesturing toward the living room. A few minutes later, the table was set for the children. They both sat on the couch.
"Michael, I want to clarify a few things," Emilia began. "I know I am here to help you with the kids, but I still need to know the limit"
"Hmn!" Michael sighed.
Emilia continued, "How long are you expecting me to stay?"
Michael rubbed the back of his neck. "Honestly, I can't answer that for now. I'm still applying for jobs, but it's been tough, there have been rejections now and then. I will understand you if you can't stay longer."
She raised an eyebrow. "Michael, that is not what I mean. I am not talking about timeline, I just need to know what you are expecting from me daily."
He reluctantly responded to her, "I need help keeping things together. Cooking, cleaning, and watching the kids when I'm out. But please, don't see it like I am taking advantage of you."
She smiled softly. "You're not. I wouldn't have agreed if I didn't want to do this. Besides, I love Clara and Clement like they're my own. I'm here for them as much as for you."
Those words caught Michael unaware, he quickly looked away. "Thank you, his voice wasn't audible. "I don't know who else I could have turned to."
"You are a strong man, Michael," she said politely. "But you can't do this alone".
The moment was interrupted by Clement's voice from the kitchen. "Miss Emilia, can I have more pancakes?"
She chuckled. "Duty calls."
Michael used the alone moment to think about his actions, he has never relied on anyone for help before. But at this moment, he has no choice, and for the first time, he thinks it is worth it.
Later in the afternoon, the kids went outside to play, Emilia came and sat with Michael at the dining table. She had a notepad in front of her to jot down the schedule for her duties.
"Okay," she said, hovering her pen on the paper. "Mornings will be for breakfast and getting the kids organized. I'll handle the cleaning while they play or do schoolwork. Afternoons can be for any errands or job interviews you have. Evenings… well, we'll figure that out as we go."
Michael nodded, grateful for her commitment. "That sounds good."
Emilia paused, looking at him intently. "But Michael, you need to promise me one thing."
"What's that?" Michael asked in curiosity.
"Don't sideline me. If you have any challenges, tell me. I won't be able to help if I don't know what's going on with you."
Their eyes locked; the sincerity in her eyes was comforting." I promise."
Michael found himself standing in the hallway outside their rooms after the kids had gone to bed. Emilia joined him, her voice quiet.
"Your kids are wonderful children," she said.
"They are," he agreed, his voice tone was proud. "I just hope I can protect and take good care of them."
"Yes you will," she said politely. "You're doing your best and that's all they need from you."
He nodded, and her words hit him powerfully.
As he turned to head to his room, Emilia called out softly. "Goodnight, Michael."
"Goodnight, Emilia," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of gratitude.