Chapter 30

As soon as Jonathan finished speaking, the little girl burst into tears, while Kathie's three kids laughed joyfully, completely forgetting the earlier unpleasantness.

The girI's mother was furious. "How could you scare a child likethat? She doesn't know any better."

Jonathan's eyes were cold as he glared at her. "She may not know better,but you, as an adult, should have taught her. When someone does something wrong, they should be punished. If you don't handle it now,the police will handle it for you later."

The girl's mother wasn't backing down. "No way,you hit my child. You need to compensate us, or I'll call for help and you won't be able to leave."

"Let's see who dares!" Kathie shouted from behind, her small frame exuding a fierce aura.

The three kids cheered and waved.

"Mommy's back!"

"Mommy,come help Seven deal with these bad people."

"Mommy, they bullied us first."

Kathie had been there for a while and, although she hadn't seen the beginning, she had guessed the situation from their conversation.

The girl's mother felt a pang of guilt seeing that Jonathan had backup, but she still put on a fierce face. "Your man hurt our kids. This needs to be resolved." "Of course, it does," Kathle sald sternly as she checked her kids. "My daughter's hand is scraped, and my son's arm is bruised. Let's call the police. I remember your eldest son is stiIl in jall. Do you want your family to be in trouble again?"

The girl's mother looked uneasy. "You know us?"

"How could I not? You married into the Powell family. My grandmother used to help your family. And you," she pointed to another woman,"married into the Bennett family. My grandmother sponsored your daughter's college education. Don't tell me you've forgotten."

The two women recognized Kathie as the granddaughter of the Hughes family and quickly apologized,remembering the help they had received.

"We're sorry. The kids didn't know any better. We'll make sure to educate them."

"Yes, it was a misunderstanding. Please don't take it to heart."

Seeing her kids' clothes were wet, Kathie didn't want to waste more time and pushed Jonathan to leave.

As soon as they got home, Kathie scolded, "How could you take them to play in the water?"

Kyle grabbed her hand. "Mommy, don't be mad. It was our idea."

Zachary chimed in, "Yeah, Mommy, I suggested it. Seven didn't want to,but we begged him."

"Mommy, we called you several times, but you didn't answer. So we begged Seven to take us," Eileen added, not wanting her mom to misunderstand.

Jonathan spread his hands. "You heard them. They wanted to play." "They're kids, you're the adult. You can't always go along with their ideas,"Kathie said,still upset. If something had happened, she wouldn't know what to do.

Jonathan felta bit annoyed by her words. "I understand you want to protect them, but you can't keep them cooped up at home every day. Kids need to play. They'll get bored of this small yard eventually."

Kyle felt guilty seeing his mom upset. "Mommy, don't blame Seven. It's our fault. We won't go again."

Zachary hugged her arm. "It was my idea. Don't be mad, Mommy.We'll listen to you from now on."

Eileen nodded tearfully. "I'll listen too. Don't be mad, Mommy."

Jonathan sighed. "Don't you think they're too well-behaved, lacking the liveliness and innocence of their age? They have to restrain themselves to please you."

Kathie realized he was right. Her three kids were always so well-behaved and rarely made her angry. She felt she owed them a lot.

Kathie took a deep breath and hugged her kids. "I'm sorry. I'll spend more time with you from now on."

She looked at Jonathan,grateful for how he had protected the kids today.

Jonathan nodded towards the bathroom. "You should get them cleaned up and changed so they don't catch a cold."

Kathie felt a warm surge in her heart.

The three kids excitedly recounted the day's events while soaking in the bathtub.

"Mommy, Seven was so cool today, dealing with those bad kids." Eileen proudly said. "He's always cool. He's a hero."

Zachary was impressed. "Seven is amazing. I want to learn how he threw those stones so accurately."

"Me too," Kyle added. interested.

Kathie ruffled their hair. "You all seem to like him a lot."

The three kids answered in unison, "We do!"

Kathie smiled wryly. She knew Jonathan wouldn't stay long. Once his leg healed or his memory returned, he would leave. The kids becoming too attached to him wouldn't be good.

"Mommy,do you like Seven?" Eileen asked, concerned.

Kathie smiled. "He's okay. I don't dislike him."

She couldn't deny that he had a place in her heart.

After bathing the kids, Kathie brought clean pajamas to Jonathan's room.

"You're all sweaty. You should take a shower too," Kathie said.

Jonathan nodded. "Feeling better now?"

"Much better. I was a bit emotional earlier. Sorry."

"I understand. Trusting a stranger with your kids is hard. I'd feel the same."

Kathie couldn't bear any harm to her kids. They were her life.

This time, they didn't argue and peacefully took their showers.

In the middle of the night, a thunderstorm woke everyone up. The kids, scared, cried for their mom.

Kathie brought them back to her room. As the thunder roared, she held them tightly, aIso feeling scared.

Many women feared thunderstorms, and she was no exception.

But as a mother, she had to be strong for her kids.

"Don't be afraid. Mommy's here," Kathie comforted.

Only she could hear the tremor in her voice.

Suddenly, the power went out.

In the pitch-black night, the four of them huddled together on the bed.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. "Are you still awake?, My room

is leaking. Can I join you?"

Jonathan's voice, strong and reassuring, came through the darkness.

Kathie hesitated,considering the propriety.

Jonathan added, "I'm injured. If I get sick, it'll be more trouble for you."

"Mommy, let Seven sleep with us."

"Yeah,with him here, we won't be scared."

"I agree."

The kids all supported the idea. Kathie sighed and opened the door.

In the darkness, she couldn't see Jonathan's face until they grasped each other's hands, feeling a bond of strength.

Jonathan had heard the kids' screams and Kathie's shaky voice,knowing she was also scared of the thunder. He had debated with himself before deciding to knock.

"The bed's small. We'll have to squeeze in," Kathie said.

Jonathan smiled. "That'll keep us warmer. How about I tell you a story?"

"Yes! We love stories. We know all of Mommy's by heart. Tell us a new one,Seven."

The previously tense atmosphere lightened up immediately.