Catriona checked the time—there were fifteen minutes until kindergarten let out.
She didn't know how things worked at Kindergarten, but at her son's previous school, parents would quietly compete, rushing to be the first at the gate so their child would see them first.
After a full day at kindergarten, the child's longing for his parents had reached its peak. He stood by the door, wide-eyed, eagerly watching for them to come and pick him up.
When Catriona was in kindergarten, she was often the last to be picked up. The people caring for her at the time, her uncle's family, were always busy and would let her play at school for an extra half hour before coming to get her.
Watching her classmates get picked up one by one, leaving behind only quiet emptiness, was a difficult feeling.
So Catriona silently vowed she would never let her son feel that way.
When her son first started kindergarten, it was just after she'd taken over the flower shop. No matter how busy she was, she'd rather earn a bit less to make sure she was the first to pick him up after school.
But at Royal Kindergarten, it seemed like she didn't need to rush to be first.
The kindergarten had a dedicated waiting hall for parents, spacious and bright, with tables laid out with premium tea and fresh fruit.
The parents sat inside, chatting quietly, the atmosphere serene.
She and Roderick swiped their ID cards, and a school staff member led them in with a smile. "Please take a seat, and wait a moment. The teacher will bring the students out one by one."
It could be like this?
Suppressing her surprise, she took a seat.
When Roderick got out of the car, he put on a black mask, leaving only his sharp, striking eyes visible, and sat across from her.
Catriona could guess why he wore it—the parents in this hall were all wealthy or influential, and surely some would recognize him. He likely didn't want his identity exposed.
Suddenly, a young voice called out, "Mommy!!"
Catriona's eyes widened as she turned.
The parents in the waiting hall also looked over.
Cedric, wearing his little backpack, ran over to her.
He was the first one the teacher brought out, and spotting his mommy in the unfamiliar crowd and hall made him absolutely thrilled.
"Mommy! Did you miss me?" Cedric threw himself into Catriona's arms, holding her tight. "I saw you right away."
Catriona nodded repeatedly, smiling warmly. "Of course. Mommy missed you the most."
The mother and son completely ignored the man beside them.
"Ahem..." Roderick cleared his throat.
Only then did Cedric notice his father. He quickly straightened up, putting away his playful look and pursing his lips. "Daddy."
"Mm, let's go home." Roderick bent down and picked up the cub.
Cedric suddenly felt like the ground was so far below him. He tightened his little face, barely managing to hold back a gleeful cheer.
This person was holding him again!!
More and more children came out, several of them calling Cedric's name: "See you tomorrow, Cedric!"
"Cedric, let's go play!"
Roderick raised an eyebrow when he heard this.
Catriona was already smiling with her lips pressed together. "Looks like you're quite popular."
Cedric, however, frowned slightly. "They're noisy and annoying."
"That just means they like you," Catriona said, gently smoothing her son's furrowed little brows. "Isn't it nice to be liked? Being liked is a kind of happiness, don't you think? Try looking at it from another perspective and get along with them."
She had been worried that her son wouldn't adjust well, but seeing so many children liking him put her mind at ease.
Cedric slowly responded with an "Oh."
Roderick frowned and quickened his pace while carrying the cub.
Being liked is a happy thing? That depends on who's doing the liking, doesn't it?
Having spent so long in the human world, he naturally understood some of the hidden meanings in human words.
Was this woman hinting at something!!
