Chapter 49: Warm Hugs

"Can't I come with you, mommy?" Zenon asked as Adriel zipped up her bag.

Adriel sat down on the bed and carried Zenon in her lap, peppering his face with small kisses.

"Mommy, that tickles," he giggled as he pushed her away.

"I'm going to miss you, bub," she said before placing one more kiss on his forehead.

"Take me with you, mommy. I also want to go to the beach," he pouted.

She smiled sadly while fixing his hair. "I really want you to come, bub. But mommy's going to be working there. I won't have any time to take care of you. And besides, you have school, bub. You don't want to miss out on your classes, do you?"

Zenon dejectedly nodded his head. "I'm going to miss you, mommy," he threw his arms around his mother's neck.

Adriel hugged him back tightly. "Me too, bub. Me too. But, I'll only be away for three days. You can stay with your aunt Daphne for three days, right?"

"Yes, mommy," Zenon nodded his head.

The two of them broke away from the hug, but it seemed like Zenon st