Tina felt frustrated, as bringing up a kid was much more difficult than studying. She pulled Tracey in her arms, "You must wear pants. If you do, I will buy you a colorful marshmallow tomorrow."
"Is there a colorful marshmallow?" Tracey stopped crying in one second, and her face radiated for the rapture.
"Of course, there is."
"Is it like a rainbow?"
"Yes. I will buy one for a good girl."
Tracey smiled through tears, "Mom, I am that good girl. I'll wear my pants. You must buy me a colorful one."
"OK, OK." Tina reached out her little finger with a smile, "Hey, let's sign."
This is Tracey's favorite move in fear that anyone went back on his/her word.
Little Tracey's smiling face overlapped with the grown Tracey before the sickbed, Tina suddenly realized that time flew.
"Tracey, let me take a good look at you." Tina wiped away the tears on Tracey's face. 'My little Tracey is grown-up now, and there is no trace of childishness anymore.¹ "Mom, don't leave me, okay?" Tracey felt bitter for not being allowed to call Tina Mom until now.
This address was precious for Tina, she nodded with tears, "How can I leave my dear girl behind!" "Well, calm down, both of you. Tracey is pregnant, and Venus is a patient. You two can't be overexcited."
"You're right." Tina smiled. Right now, her mind was occupied by the happiness of the reunion with Tracey.
Steve received a call and was informed that Adam, in anxiety, already arrived in the US.
He sent the address of the sanatorium to Adam and told him that everything was alright. Adam was on the verge of a breakdown for Tracey.
"Tracey, don't escape again. Your man will turn the world upside down to find you. Now, he is on the way here."
"Well, thank you, Steve. I'm hungry now. Can you go grab me lunch?"
"Of course, what would you like to eat?"
"On your case, and you know my taste."
"Got you. Please watch her over carefully in case that she escapes again during my absence." Steve turned to Tina to tease Tracey.
Tina was informed that Steve was a good friend of Tracey, and it seemed now they were closer than she thought.
"Don't worry. I promise that she won't run away this time."
"Then, see you later." Steve went out, thinking to buy something good for Tracey.
Tina sent others away upon Steve's departure, "Dear, do you have something to share with me?"
A mother knew her own daughter better than anyone else, Tina penetrated the intention of Tracey, which Steve failed to notice.
"So you found it, how?"
Tina's eyes were as benevolent as before, and Tracey knew that Tina thought of her only.
"Mom, what will happen to you if I leave?"
"Anyway, I don't have much time left. I have my responsibility as a patriarch, but there is nothing to regret now since you forgive me."
Tracey stroked Tina's face. Tina looked much younger than her age, even in her 40s.
"Mom, you have done enough for me. It is time for me to protect you."
"I believe there is a way to break the spell, and nothing bad is allowed to happen to you. As your daughter, I have my obligation, that is, nobody can hurt you."
"Tracey, did Ramiro tell you that FT2 was unavoidable if you wanted to be the patriarch?"
"Yes, he did."
"Then, why? Adam is good to you. I know you love him too. What a blow to him if you choose to forget him!" Tina felt frustrated with the obstinacy of Tracey.
Tracey was resolute, "Mom, I know that you're doing this for my own good, but I won't choose this one if there is an alternative."
"Grandpa Ramiro promised that if I could love Adam again after being injected FT2, I was authorized to reshuffle the family. Then, I must abolish these absurd rules."
"Dear, I just want you to live easily and happily." She rubbed Tracey's head.
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