Two days later...
The front door suddenly opened, followed by the hurried sound of little shoes running across the floor.
"Mumma! Mumma!"
Eli came rushing inside, his tiny backpack bouncing against his shoulders as he looked around for Bella. His cheeks were flushed from running and his dark hair was messy from the wind outside.
"Mumma! He is gone!"
Bella, who had been sitting nearby, immediately looked up.
Her eyes softened the moment she heard that familiar little voice calling for her. Even after hearing it for days, there was still something almost unreal about being called "Mumma." Every time Eli said it, she felt like she was living a dream she had never dared to ask for.
"Mumma! He is gone!" Eli repeated excitedly, running toward her.
Bella smiled and opened her arms slightly.
"Who is gone, baby?"
Eli stopped in front of her, breathing a little quickly from his run. His small chest rose and fell and his eyes were wide with excitement.
"That creepy uncle!"
