Riley's note read, "Mommy isn't my real mom. I'm an orphan, and she adopted me."
I was stunned by this, but it made sense. After all, Lynn was too young to have a six-year-old daughter. It seemed like Lynn was kind enough to adopt a child!
Just then, Riley scribbled another line. "Mr. White, can you not hit Mommy?"
I froze and asked, "Why would I hit her? I would never do that!"
Riley wrote again. "But all the other misters hit Mommy. That's why she cries so much every night."
Since there were some words she couldn't write, she drew them instead. Even though her sentences were difficult to decipher, I could still make it out. However, I really wish I couldn't understand it.
Even though I already knew that Lynn's personal life was a bit of a mess, I was still taken aback. It seemed like Maximus wasn't simply slandering Lynn. I couldn't help but feel Lynn was way out of line. How could she bring those men back to her place and traumatize her daughter like that?
I honestly thought it wasn't a good idea for her to continue that behavior. After all, it could impact Riley's health and development.
I gently patted Riley's head, my voice soft with sympathy. "Don't worry. I'm not like those misters who come around. I'm a good mister. I'll just be friends with you and your mommy, so I won't do any of those things."
Since Riley was still so young, she quickly cheered up at my words. With a bright smile, she took my hand and led me to her toys and storybooks.
Even though she was mute, she was eager to share and communicate.
At the same time, I made sure to be patient with her. No matter what she showed me, I praised her and feigned amazement. My actions had her laughing nonstop.
When Lynn returned, Riley lay on my lap, listening to my story.
She was taken aback when she saw this. "This is the first time I've seen Riley so close to a stranger."
Hearing this, I hesitated over my words. I gently patted Riley's shoulder and said, "Riley, how about you read the book in your room for a bit? I need to have a chat with your mom. I'll finish the story later, okay?"
Riley nodded and headed off to her room with the book.
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