Chapter 9

Marie didn't look at Noelle. She merely turned to head to the living room with Ian in her arms. After a few steps, she said a little angrily, "Stop standing at the door and come in! The neighbors will think I'm being mean to you if they see this!" Ian waved happily at Noelle. "Come in, Mommy!" Noelle smiled and headed inside with Ian's knapsack over her shoulder. Almost out of habit, she bent down to change into lounge slippers at the foyer. Only then did she notice that her slippers were on the outermost rack. "Mom…" Tears welled in her eyes and trickled down her face. "Mommy, what's wrong?" Ian hopped out of Marie's arms and ran to Noelle, hurriedly wiping her tears. "I'm just happy, Ian," Noelle choked out. Marie dropped her stern look and sighed. "You and Ian are staying here now that you're back. Your father's gone to the market—I bet he'll rush back there to buy more fish when he finds out that you're here." "Fish! Mommy loves fish! Grandma, you're the best!" Ian beamed an