the mall

Chapter 5

Zaera's Point of View

Mom, can we go out?"

Translation: Mom, can we go outside?

I put the glass I was holding on the table and turned to look at him. He was holding the hem of my dress while looking up at me.

But we just went outside earlier, right? Why? Do you want to play again?" I asked as I squatted down and wiped his sweaty cheek.

Because Hather and Lovern played outside earlier, so there, they are sweating. I took the handkerchief from my pocket and wiped his forehead as well as his back No, Mama. I want to go to the mall. I want to go shopping. Por favor mamá?"

Translation: Please, Mom?

I was stunned by what he said. For the past five days that we're here in the Philippines, this is the first time that he requested something like this. I can't blame him if he gets bored here in the house. I touched his cheek.

But aren't you tired? You just played with Dada and Tita earlier" I asked him calmly. It shook its head.

Please, Mom?" He snorted and begged me showing his puppy dog ​​eyes. "Can we? I held my breath. I can't stand him either and I also don't want him to sulk with me. I smiled and nodded at him. Joy shone on his face.

yeeeeyyy! Come on, Mama!" He excitedly pulled my hand.

Okay. Careful" I reminded him as he let go and ran up the stairs.

I followed him up. It's only one time so I'll give it to you. When we finished getting dressed, I left the room carrying her. I met Lovern and Hather. There was a look of surprise on both of their faces.

Are you all dressed up? Where are you going?" Lovern asked.

Zian said he was going for a walk so I gave in" I said with a smile.

I thought you wouldn't let him out?" Hather asked with a serious expression on his face. I held my breath.

"It's just one time, we're just going fast. I don't want him to sulk with me What else. But I'm telling you, Zae. Be careful"

I already know what it refers to. I nodded Can I go with you?" Hather's suggestion but I shook my head.

It's okay. I can do it" I assured him. He just nodded and ruffled Zian's hair.

Be careful. Just call me if anything happens" This was a warning so I nodded Alright, we're leaving" I say goodbye. Zian waved at them both.

Bye, Aunt. Bye Dad"

Bye, little kid/Bye, Zi!" They said together and waved with a smile.

I left the house carrying Zian as well as Lovern's car key. I put him on the back seat of the car for his safety. I got into the driver's seat and started the car.

It took us more than fifteen minutes before we arrived at the mall. I laughed when I saw the excitement on his face and really couldn't wait to get out of the car. We're here, kid. So, where do you want to go first?" I asked while holding his hand Toys!"

I nodded and we spelled the entrance of the mall. First we headed to the Toys section. I just smiled when he first ran to the big stuffed toy Doraemon and hugged it. He really loves Doraemon.

Maybe if he inherited Zerron's physical features, he inherited the attitude he has from me. I approached it.

Do you want that? A huge doraemon?"

It nodded one after another. "But this one is much bigger than you, you can't carry him around like you usually do"

It snorts. "But I can carry this when I get bigger, Mama" He reasons out. I said so. I just scratched my head. It's really great to answer Okay, we'll buy this later before we go home"

His eyes twinkled before hugging me. In fact, it only hugged my thigh. I messed up her hair Thank you, Mom. I love you"

Always welcome, kid. I love you too"

We spent some time there in the Toy Section until we headed to the Play Area of ​​the mall. He played with some kids there too while I was just watching him. I only take pictures and videos of him. As I see his laugh and smile, I just smile because of joy.

I really can't ask for anything more. Despite everything that I had experienced before, I was still able to be happy. And that is because of Zian. I don't need someone to make me happy, to make me complete. Zian alone is enough.

After he finished having fun in the play area, we decided to eat. And after that, we returned the stuffed toy that he wanted. I let go of Zian for a while to get my credit card to pay for the human sized stuff toy.

It looks even bigger than me. I thanked him after I got the stuffed toy and turned to look at Zian let's g---" I was stunned when I couldn't see it next to me. Trembling hit my chest. "Zian?! Where are you?!" I called out in panic then looked around but I couldn't see him.

I immediately approached a sales lady to ask but her only answer was that she didn't notice my son. I was filled with fear. I quickly approached a guard to ask for help. I showed him Zian's photo. It has also asked for help from others to find my son.

Where are you Zian? I ran down every aisle to find him. Where did you go? I can't stop crying because of so much dread, fear and worry. I immediately denied Hather's number.

H-Hather, please help me. He Zian is losing

I ended the call after Hather told me that he's on his way. While waiting for him, I also searched the entire floor. I hope to see Zian. I ran and walked.

I looked around the whole floor. I know it's just here. I was at the end of the aisle when I noticed a child with his back turned from my seat. When I saw who it was, I quickly ran to its location and hugged it tightly.

I can't be wrong, I know it's him based on the clothes he's wearing.

Zian!" I cried and touched his face.

Mommy!" It called me.

Why did you leave? I told you to stick with Mama. I'm very worried about you."

Translation: I'm very worried about you

Lo siento mama. I thought I saw Dada that's why I left"

Translation: I'm sorry, Mama"

It's okay. Puero no vuelvas a hacer esto de avuerdo? Nó sé qué hacer si te lastiman. Mamá estará muy triste, Zi Translation: But don't do this again, okay? I don't know what to do if you'll get hurt. Mom will be very sad, Zi.

De acuerdo mamá. Lo siento. Ya no tienes que preocuparte. Estoy bien Mama

Translation: Okay, Mom. I'm sorry. You don't have to worry anymore. I'm fine, Mom. I touched his cheek and kissed him on the forehead. I can't handle it when I lose Zian. I picked him up because I felt like I had a sudden trauma But someone helped me earlier, Mama"

Help you? How?" I asked him as we made our way to the escalator.

I was crying earlier because I lost you but there's a stranger who helped me. He gave me this, Mama"

I stopped and looked at his open palm where there was a keychain. My world seemed to stop when I saw it. I feel like I'm deaf too. A compass keychain.

He said that someone gave it to him when he was lost once and that someone assured him that no matrer where he is in this world, he could return to where he came from. So, he gave it to me and assured me that I 'll come back to you, Mama. And see, it worked! Really? I-I'm glad that he helped you" I forced a smile.

Are you okay, Mom?"

I immediately wiped my cheek with tears. I nodded. I'm not really okay. I can barely walk because of the nervousness and fear I feel. I know who the keychain is from because I gave it to Zero I don't know but I'm angry now and annoyed because no matter how much I hide, no matter how careful I am so that he doesn't see my son, their paths still meet. I just speeded up my walk. I'm sure he didn't meet Zian because I wasn't with him.

But I can't hide the resemblance between the two of them. I got more and more nervous.

But can you promise me one thing, kid? No vuevlas a hablar con extraños, Zi" I begged seriously.

Translation: Don't talk to strangers again, Zi. Pero no está mal, mamá. El es amable" He said with a snort.

Translation: But he's not bad, Mama. He's kind Solo obedéceme, Zi. Por favor Translation: Just obey me, Zi. Please

He nodded so I breathed a sigh of relief. I made my walk even faster so that we could leave. I heard my cellphone ring so I put Zian down for a moment and took the cellphone out of my pocket. I make sure that I'm holding his hand tightly. I don't want to lose him again Zi, where have you been? Have you found Zian?

It's Heather Yes, we're leaving the mall. Where are you? Thank God, you found him. I'm talking to the guards now. I will wait for you at the exit Okay. We're on our way there"

I have turned off the call. "Nak, let's go" I said yes but he didn't leave where he was standing. It looked up at me and snorted.

I squatted down and grabbed his shoulder. "Why? Is there anything wrong? Mom, where is my Doraemon?"

And just now I really remembered that I no longer have the human sized doraemon I bought. I bent down and bit my bottom lip because I forgot about it. But we can't go back to where we came from B-But we can buy another one somewhere, or I'll take you home first and then I'll come back here" I assured him But I want it now Mom"

I don't know why he is so demanding now. Maybe he is tired. When he behaves like this and throws tantrums, I know he is tired and sleepy. I touched his cheek Okay. But let's go to Dada fir--- My Doreamon!"

I could not continue what I was saying when he left in front of me and immediately ran to my back. I'm still a little stunned by this.

Hey, careful. Is this yours?"

I got cold when I heard that person's voice from behind me. I can't even move anymore. I feel like cold water has been poured on me now. I can't turn back anymore Yes, this is mine, señor"

Translation: Yes, this is mine, Sir.

I can't really understand you, little kid but I think this is really yours. The sales lady informed me that someone left it, so I took it with me and hopefully I can find the owner. Luckily, you're still here "

Thank you. Mama! ¡Tengo mi doraemon! Es el tipo que me úmado hace un tiempo" I swallowed when Zian called me.

Translation: I have my doraemon! He's the guy who helped me a while ago.

I slowly stood up. I stayed with my back to both of them. I don't know what to do now. I clenched my trembling fists and closed my eyes tightly.

What should I do? He will meet Zian when I show up.

Let's go. I'll introduce you to Mama"

Zerron couldn't figure out why he couldn't take his eyes off the girl who was called Mama by the boy holding his hand. It can't be denied that he doesn't want to let go of the hand of the boy next to him.

As he dragged his hand towards the woman who turned away from him, the whole environment seemed to slow down and he couldn't hear anything other than his heartbeat.

"Mama" Zian held Zaera's hand and shook it a bit. "This señor helped me earlier. He's the one that I'm talking about, Mama" He added with a big smile. Zaera didn't seem to hear anything because various things were going through her mind. He does not know what to do. Zerron didn't do anything but he himself came in front of her to look at the woman's face.

Surprise appeared on his face when he recognized who the woman was in front of him. Zaera gradually raised her eyes and their eyes met. Various emotions can be seen on both of their faces Zaera...." Zerron called her name a little weakly. Meanwhile, Zian came between the two of them while holding both of their hands and looking up at them with a smile on his face.

They look like a perfect complete family in that moment.

Did you know each other?" It asked in a lively voice.

Zaera immediately woke up to reality when her son asked. He quickly removed Zerron's hand from Zian's and brought the son closer to him. A forced smile drew on his lips then he looked at Zian with a curious expression he's an old friend" He tried to adjust his speech even though the trepidation dominated his heart.

Gone. It was useless for him to hide for a few years because in just an instant the father and son met. Zerron wanted to speak but chose to remain silent. It stared at Zaera especially at their two children.

He wanted to hug her tightly because he finally saw her after years of not seeing her. It feels different, very different. Really, Mama? Then, that will be great! What is his name?"

Zerron tasted it. "I'm Zerron, so---kiddo" It almost slipped. Zaera simply glared at Zerron. Zaera was surprised when Zian let go of her and hugged Zerron's leg Zerron looked at Zaera and his eyes spoke. It loves to hug the child. Zaera stared at him I really wanted to pick up Zian and run away from Zero. But I can't do that anymore. The reality seemed to hit me that I would never be able to escape this thing.

But I'm not ready to tell Zian everything and I will never be able to give him my son at any time.

I just stared at Zian hugging Zero's leg. It has a big smile. I looked at Zero who was now staring at me. That's not a look that intends to take my son and take him away from me. It was a look that spoke Can I hug him?' He mouthed. I didn't answer or make any gestures whether I agreed or not. My mind is arguing.

At least I could touch him just the second time. Please?' He mouthed once again with pleading eyes. I hesitated but only shook my head in response Eve!"

We all heard a voice so we looked there Zian immediately let go of Zero and ran towards Hather.

Dad!" He cheerfully said.

I don't know but when Zian said that, I turned to Zero and ran to Hather and grabbed his hand. I saw Zero's concentration as well as his clenched fist. He looked at me and I saw anger, sadness and pain in his eyes.

His eyes are saying something that I can't quite understand but I know only one thing, anger dominates them.

Z-Zerron---"

I couldn't finish what I was going to say when he spoke.

I understand now. He already has someone to be his father" He said sarcastically. I swallowed when I saw his eyes watering That's good for him at least he won't need me anymore, but I wish I could hug him at least for a while. I hope you don't deny that to me, Zaera" He said seriously but I noticed the bitterness in his voice. He turned and walked away. I followed him out of the mall with clenched fists.

Uncle Zerron!" Zian called him but he never looked back.

To Be Continued...