Ariana walked to the room, making sure to keep her face composed. She gently wiped her tears, knowing how observant her little daughter was.
She made sure no trace of sadness remained. Ariana had come to realize that whenever her little cutie touched her face with her hands, it meant she felt worried or sensed her mother's sadness.
Just like today, when she had done that, Ariana felt so emotional she wanted to cry. But she held it in—because she knew how her daughter was. The one time a tear had fallen from her eyes in front of her, her little girl had cried so hard, and Ariana never wanted that to happen again.
She smiled softly, even though there was still a sting in her chest, as she walked into the room. Just as she opened the door, little Vreni's eyes moved to her.
"Momma," she called out. She had been drinking her milk as Leah gave it to her, and as if she knew Ariana was there, she turned immediately.
