Love Conquers All
Page 56
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All through the flight, Talia held her children tight, as if afraid they might suddenly sprout wings and fly away. To the amazement of the attendants and some passengers exhausted by their own children, Udi and Michal hardly spoke a word during the entire flight. Talia admitted to herself that she had exposed her children to instability and vicissitudes that could possibly prove detrimental to them and, in her heart, she resolved to make up for all the suffering and neglect.
"Mummy, tomorrow I'm going back to the Treetop Daycare Center," Udi whispered in her ear when the plane landed and the passengers burst out singing the traditional, "We're bringing you peace." His face was ruddy with excitement. "Yes, sweetie, we're home. From now on, we'll have no more troubles," she whispered, hugging him to her chest.
Her brother was waiting for her at die airport. Mother's not feeling well, and Yoni's mother has been in the hospital for the last few days, he informed her right away, eager to unburden himself. "They both have heart trouble." His face turned a little red when he added, "And I'm divorced, Tali."
Not such a great loss, Talia thought, but immediately regretted her callousness. "Oh, my sweet kid brother," she hugged him, to make up for her unkind thought, but also out of genuine compassion. "Don't be sad. Big sister's back and she'll take care of you. Everything is going to be all right."
I wish I was as sure as I sounded, she thought.