Manuel shook his head, “Mom, I’m not tired, no need.”
Serena loved him very much and reached over to stroke his little head, “Do you want to lean on Mommy for a while? I’m sorry, I didn’t imagine something like this would happen.”
She felt bad, she thought, that Manuel did not feel comfortable.
Although that situation was not a big deal to Serena, she felt worried about Manuel, perhaps. He was so sensitive because his family since childhood had been dysfunctional.
“It doesn’t matter, Mom. I’m not tired, and besides, there are a lot of people here. It’s very lively.”
Serena did not speak, lowered her head into Manuel’s neck and closed her eyes.
She knew that Manuel had always been very sensitive. he often did not get angry with her and tried to be happy despite the situation. And often, he was the one consoling her. The more she thought about it, the sadder Serena felt.
Anna looked at them and approached, “It’s no big deal. The police said everything is fine. We can leave when they are done, or we can go back. It’s just that… I’m a little hungry tonight. I feel like there’s something to eat in the car. Shall I get some for you, too?”
Serena recovered and said, “I don’t need any, get some for Manuel.”
“Then wait a moment Manuel, Aunt Anna will bring you something to eat.”
“Thank you, Aunt Anna.”
So Anna went to Mario to get the key and went back to the car to get something. Anna got some food and water and closed the door. When she turned around, she saw that everyone was looking in one direction, so she turned around as well.
Then she saw a man standing on the other side.
The man was shrouded in darkness, but he looked very handsome.
She could see his back clearly.
Suddenly, the man leaned to the side, and she could see his handsome profile in the darkness of the night.
But then he immediately turned away.
However, from that glance alone, Anna was stunned.
Her mind seemed to take her back to a face she had not seen for a long time, but Anna shook her head.
“How is this possible? It’s been too long since I’ve seen that man, he can’t be here now.”
Whispered Anna to herself, then ran a hand through her hair.
But after that thought flashed through her head, Anna could not help but turn again in the direction of the somewhat hesitant man.
If it was really him, they could have met, what if he had met with Serena?
Thinking about this, Anna felt anxious.
“Aunt Anna, you’re back.” Manuel’s voice brought Anna back to her senses.
Anna came to herself and saw Serena and Manuel in front of her. Probably because she had a blank stare, Serena immediately asked her, “What’s wrong with you?”
Anna was stunned and shook her head, “Nothing.”
Then she stood in front of Serena blocking her view. She smiled and said, “I brought you some water. Drink it.”
After that, Anna gave Serena a bottle of water, and then gave one to Mario as well.
Mario smiled and said, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Anna gave the rest of the food to Manuel.
He stood where he stood.
“Aunt Anna, why do you always stand in front of Mom?” Manuel asked doubtfully.
Hearing those words, Serena also noticed that indeed she had not moved.
Anna changed her expression, “It’s just that … I think it’s better to breathe here. There are too many people down there. And then … there’s a strong wind / there’s a cold wind. I was afraid Manuel would feel cold, so I stood here to block the wind. Little ingrate, don’t you appreciate your Aunt Anna?”
Then Anna reached over and pinched Manuel’s cheek.
She was always so innocent, so Serena didn’t worry much about her.
A moment later, Anna turned around and saw that the man was still there. At that moment, looking at his back, she felt very strange. It was nothing like she remembered it.
Thinking this, Anna felt relieved.
It was impossible for them to have met him just like that, as soon as they got home, so Anna calmed down.
After waiting so long, many people felt safer and went back to the car to wait for new news.
Some were still worried, so they stayed and waited by the side of the road. Eventually, they sat on the road, and some started to argue with each other whether it was better to wait on the road or in the car. The scene was really lively.
Some even brought a heated hot pot and ate from there.
Soon after, there was a mixture of tastes and smells, and someone said, “After eating take out the garbage. This is a highway, let’s keep it clean.”
“Of course we will clean it up.”
As time passed, Manuel felt a little tired and leaned against Serena.
Serena saw that he was sleepy, so she held him in her arms and said, “Are you sleepy? I’ll take you to the car now so you can sleep.”
“Okay.” Manuel did not refuse.
Serena squatted down and put Manuel on her back. Manuel hugged her neck and said, “Mommy, be careful.”
So Serena went back to the car with Manuel on her back, and Mario followed them.
Anna was thoughtful: “You guys go. I’ll watch you from here, then I’ll catch up.”
“Okay.”
Mario nodded and followed Serena.
After they left, Anna looked in the direction where the man was standing. Although from the back he did not look like him, his profile earlier made her worried.
Anna was very afraid, if she really met him here, how should she behave?
Or worse, what would Serena do?
So Anna wiped her cold sweat, then slowly took steps forward, hid behind the cars and approached the man.
He was quite quiet, but everyone saw Anna. Several girls thought she wanted to go there to meet him, so they became restless, and then couldn’t help but walk toward her.
“Hi, are you going to ask him for his phone number? Let’s go together, so we would all have a chance!”
Hearing this, Anna was speechless for a moment, “No.”
“No? Then what are you doing here? Don’t be like this. We won’t kick you out even if you admit the truth. We can go together! Besides, whether we have a chance or not depends on how we behave.”