The Sway and Slide of Love

Hendrix had rushed back because Rosie was crying-loudly and heartbreakingly so. Since the day he first met her, this was the first time he had ever seen her cry like this.

Earlier, Rosie had been overjoyed to see Noelle, clinging to her and refusing to let go.

But now, Noelle stood beside her, completely at a loss.

Hendrix took one look and immediately knew what was going on. He crouched in front of Rosie. "Don't cry."

Rosie glanced at him, only to wail even harder.

Hendrix frowned and turned to Noelle. "Did you say something to her?"

"Not much." Noelle twisted the hem of her shirt. "She mentioned her birthday is coming up, and I said I forgot."

Of course. Hendrix wasn't surprised. He grabbed a tissue, wiped Rosie's tears, and picked her up.

Noelle moved to follow, but Hendrix quickly turned his head around and said, "Go back to your room first. I'll come find you later."

Noelle stopped in her tracks, her eyes lingering on them until Hendrix shut Rosie's bedroom door behind him.

By now, Rosie had calmed slightly, but her breath still hitched in little hiccups. It was as if all the emotions she'd bottled up had finally exploded, leaving her unable to stop.

Hendrix wet a towel in the bathroom and carefully cleaned her face with his good hand. Then, he said, "I told you before, didn't I? Your mom has forgotten some things."

Rosie didn't answer, but the grievance in her eyes was unmistakable. It was as if she was silently asking, "She could forget anything else, but how could she forget my birthday?"

"Actually, I think this might not be so bad." Hendrix tried his best to come up with something. "This is my first time celebrating your birthday with you, and in her memory, it's her first time, too."

His attempt at consolation had absolutely no effect. Rosie stared at him for a moment, then her tears started falling again.

"At least

Didn't she

say before that as

one's back now, right? mattered?" Hendrix said he st

home, nothing enoveldrama

"So, she's never going to remember the past again?" Rosie asked.

Hendrix hesitated, then shook his head. "I'm not sure, either." Rosie fell silent.

"I know you're feeling hurt. But she already feels terrible. If you don't try to understand her and instead blame her, she'll feel even worse," Hendrix continued. fo

Rosie remained silent.

"She might've forgotten some things about you, but she still knows

her

much as before. Isn't that sure

child. And she loves you just as enough?"

Hendrix had searched for every possible word to comfort her, but in the end, this was all he could say.

Fortunately, Rosie managed to hold back her tears. After wiping her face

vigorously, she said, "I'll go apologize to Mommy."

Hendrix stopped her. "No, it's okay. You have school tomorrow. Just wash up and go to bed. I'll talk to her."

Rosie looked at him for a long time. In the end, she finally nodded. "Okay."

Hendrix reached out and ruffled her hair before turning to leave.

Noelle was crouched outside Rosie's door, lost in thought.

The moment she saw Hendrix, she shot to her feet and asked anxiously, "How is she?"