Book 12: Chapter 20
“Mom.” I gave Elizabeth a gentle hug
Mom hugged me back with a smile. She stroked my head. Tone concerned, she said, “I’m so glad to see you again, Son. Let Mommy hug you. Let Mommy take a look at you. Mommy received news about your victory but couldn’t see you. You must be tired, my son. You must be tired.”
Elizabeth clasped my face. She then released me and carefully stroked my face as though she was trying to see if I had lost weight or not. I pressed my hand on Mom’s hand stroking my face and smiled: “Mom, I’m fine. I’m fine. Don’t you intend to praise me? I captured the entire North!”
“Mommy doesn’t care about the North or whatever.” Elizabeth looked at me with her hand on my face. Her expression looked slightly sad. Voice gentle, she added, “Mommy doesn’t care how great your achievements are. For Mommy, your well-being is more important than anything. Mommy is very proud of you for capturing the North, but you must be very tired now. Mommy can see that you’re tired from your gaze. You haven’t had a good rest since entering the North, have you? You must’ve been busy for your wives and the North, right?! Mommy is more heartbroken than Mommy is proud of you!!”
I didn’t know what to do but stroke her face, because she had tears on her face. It was the first time I realised I’d lost so much weight. It was very apparent; it was also the first time I felt physically worn out.
“Mom…”
“Don’t say anything for now…”
Mom went and sat down on the edge of the bed.She patted the spot next to her I walked over, and then mom pulled me down to sit. She then forcefully pulled me down into a lying position with my head on her thigh. Mommy Elizabeth’s scent enveloped me. She never paid attention to what fragrance she used. Actually, she never used any, so it was her natural body scent.
“Mommy has lots of things to say to you. Lots and lots, but you should rest first, and then Mommy will tell you. Son, you’ve worked too hard during this time. You’ve been dealing with the North and your wives at the same time. Mommy shall help you shoulder some of the work. Don’t overwork yourself. Mommy doesn’t ask that you become a revered man. Mommy is happy if you can just live happily. That is enough to fill Mommy with bliss.” Mom spoke to me from above.