Lost in Memories Beneath the Fading Sunset

Justin turned around with breakfast in hand and finally saw Yvonne.

“You're awake?” His voice was calm. “We’re heading out soon. I had no time to make you anything, so you’ll have to cook for yourself.”

Yvonne did not say a word. She knew it was not that he did not have time. He had just wanted to focus on cooking for Sophia.

The aroma wafting from the kitchen twisted her stomach, but she said nothing. Quietly, she walked over and made herself a simple bowl of oats.

After breakfast, Justin and Sophia were taking the two kids to the amusement park.

Milton suddenly shouted and grabbed them. “Wait! We have something for you!”

Milton and Travis raced upstairs and came down a moment later, each holding a matching T-shirt. Anyone could tell at a glance that they were wearing matching family outfits.

Sophia hesitated for a moment. “Uh… is this really appropriate?”

Milton looked up at her with a stubborn expression. “But to us, you’re our mom.”

Justin ruffled his son’s hair and said to Sophia, “The kids are being silly. Just go along with them this once.”

Sophia nodded as her cheeks tinged pink.

The four of them changed into matching outfits and stood together.

Justin and Sophia wore navy T-shirts, while Milton and Travis had the miniature versions. All of their shirts had a cartoon design on the chest that read: [Mom & Dad love their little ones.]

Sophia suddenly glanced at Yvonne. “Yvonne, why don’t you come too?”

Yvonne shook her head. “No, thanks.”

“But you are their mother… It wouldn’t be right if you didn’t come.” Sophia stepped closer and, without waiting for an answer, grabbed her hand. “Come on. A family should stick together.”

Yvonne was pulled into the car against her will.

The amusement park was crowded and noisy. The four of them in matching outfits made a striking enough scene to draw constant attention.

A young girl blushed and approached, asking for a photo. For once, Justin did not refuse.

“Your wife is gorgeous!” The girl looked at Sophia with admiration. “And the kids are so adorable!”

Justin did not deny it. Sophia lowered her gaze shyly, and Milton and Travis puffed up proudly.

Yvonne followed behind them like an invisible ghost, watching them being surrounded and praised. She watched Justin’s hand naturally rest on Sophia’s waist and heard the two kids call Sophia ‘Mom’ over and over again. Her heart ached until it went numb.

By evening, they arrived at the Ferris wheel.

A staff member smiled at Justin and Sophia. “You two are perfect together! They say if couples kiss at the top of the Ferris wheel, they’ll never part.”

Milton and Travis exchanged a sly glance and grinned mischievously. As the cabin rose slowly, the city lights flowed like a river beneath them. As it neared the top, the two kids suddenly darted behind Justin and Sophia and shoved them hard.

“Ah!” Sophia yelped. She tumbled into Justin’s arms.

Their lips met amidst their surprise, and both froze for a moment.

Sophia tried to pull away in a panic, but Justin, almost instinctively, cupped the back of her head and deepened the kiss.

Milton and Travis stifled their laughter behind their hands while secretly flashing a victorious sign.