256: THROWBACK: BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS ARIEL’S POV FLASHBACK It was a beautiful summer afternoon. Luke and I were enjoying a picnic in the park while Janice was busy with drama at school. We were surrounded by lush green trees and colorful flowers, and the sun was shining brightly in the clear blue sky. Lukel was running around, chasing butterflies and laughing uncontrollably. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched him, my heart filled with love and joy. Suddenly, I heard a thud and turned around to see Lukel lying on the ground, and his face contorted. in pain. I rushed over to him, my heart beating fast with worry. “Lukel, are you okay?” I asked, panic rising in my voice. “Mommy, my knee hurts,” he replied, tears welling up in his big brown eyes. I gently lifted him up and sat him on my lap, examining his knee. It was red and swollen, and there. was a small cut on it. I knew he must have tripped and fallen while chasing the butterflies. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. Mommy will make it all better,” I said, trying to soothe him. I reached into my bag and pulled out a first–aid kit. I cleaned the wound with some antiseptic and put a bandage on it. Lukel winced in pain but bravely held back his tears. “Does it still hurt, honey?” I asked, brushing his hair away from his face. “A little bit, but not as much as before,” he replied, smiling. I hugged him tightly and planted a kiss on his forehead. I couldn’t bear to see him in pain. “You’re such a brave boy, Lukel. Mama is so proud of you,” I said, my voice filled with love and admiration. He beamed at me, his eyes sparkling with happiness. I knew that my little boy was a fighter, and he would get through this just fine. After a few minutes, Lukel’s pain had subsided, and he was back to his usual energetic self. We finished our picnic and decided to head back home. As we walked, Lukel held onto my hand tightly, occasionally stopping to show me a flower or a butterfly he found. As we reached home, I carried Lukel inside and sat him on the couch. I brought him a glass of juice and his favorite teddy bear. “Mama, can we watch my favorite cartoon?” he asked, his eyes pleading. “Of course, sweetheart. I’ll do anything to make you feel better,” I replied, smiling at his innocent request. 276 THROWBACK BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS We smuggled on the couch, watching his favorite cartoon and laughing together. As I looked at my little boy, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for moments like this. Moments where I could take care of him and make him feel better. Moments where I could be his superhero. A few hours passed, Lukel’s injury had completely healed, and he was back to his usual energetic self. Andre had told me that we would bring Janice home. So I wasn’t worried about that. Lukel and I played games, read red books, and danced around the house. He looked up at me with those beautiful eyes. “Thank you for taking care of me. You’re the best mommy ever!” Tears rose as I kissed his forehead and whispered, “No, Lukel, you’re the best. Mommy loves you and your sister more than anything in this world.” The sun beat down on the stadium, casting a golden glow over the field as I settled into my seat. My eyes were fixed on the tiny figures running back and forth on the pitch. My heart swelled with pride as I watched my son, Lukel, a bundle of energy at only three years old, chase after the ball with a determination that belied his age.. Beside me, Janice bounced up and down with excitement, her little face alive with joy as she cheered for her twin brother. “Go, Lukel, go!” she squealed, clapping her hands together in delight. I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of my daughter, her curly hair dancing in the breeze as she rooted for her brother. The crowd around us was a sea of colors and sounds: parents shouting encouragement, siblings running around in excitement, and the occasional blast of a referee’s whistle cutting through the air. But all that mattered to me was the sight of Lukel, his tiny feet kicking up dust clouds as he raced across the field. As the game progressed, I found myself holding my breath with every near miss, my heart pounding in time with Lukel’s quick footsteps. I could see the determination in his eyes–the same fierce spirit that had driven him since he was born. He might be small, but he was a force to be reckoned with. Beside me, Janice clutched my hand tightly, her eyes wide with wonder as she watched her brother weave in and out of the other players, his red jersey a blur of motion. “He’s amazing, Mama,” she whispered, her voice filled with awe. I couldn’t help but agree. Lukel was a natural on the field, his talent shining through with every move he made. I felt a surge of pride welling up inside me, threatening to spill over as I watched my son. play with all the heart and soul of a champion. And then, in a sudden burst of speed, Lukel broke away from the pack, the ball at his feet as he raced towards the goal. My heart leaped into my throat as I watched him go, my breath catching in my chest. This was it–the moment of truth. “Go, Lukel, go!” I shouted, my voice rising above the din of the crowd as I urged my son on. Beside me, Janice echoed my cries, her face a mask of pure joy as she cheered for her brother with all her And then, with a final burst of speed, Laikel kicked the ball with all his might, sending it soaring howard the goal Time seemed to slow as the ball arched through the air, the crowd holding its breath as it headed straight for the net. With a resounding thud, the ball struck the back of the net, the crowd erupting into cheers and applause as Lathol raised his arms in triumph. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I watched my son celebrate his victory. His face lit up with a smile that could light up the world. lantee threw her aruus around my neck, her eyes shining with pride. “We knew he could do it, mommy,” she said, her voice filled with love, ould only nod, my heart overflowing with joy, as I watched my children, my little champions, bask the glow of their success. In that moment, surrounded by the sounds of victory and the warmth of my family, I knew that nothing in the world could compare to the simple pleasure of watching my children play. I kept on smiling, clapping, and cheering for my little angel, Lukel. He was celebrating with his ammates, all buoyant in the lively energy. What a great moment this was, and it was going to be truly remarkable. Laukel’s eyes met mine, and I gave him a thumbs–up. His smile widened.
