?<strong>Chapter 188:</strong>


    Joelle nced back, puzzled. “Didn’t we change Rnd’s diaper right after getting off the ne?” Next to her, Aurora scrunched up her nose and dered, “Rnd is smelly!” Despite herint, she graciously allowed Rnd to clutch her doll, which quieted his cries immediately.


    However, the odor in the car remained potent. Noticing a shopping mall nearby, Joelle proposed, “Let’s stop here. I need to pick up some necessities.” The group readily agreed with her suggestion.


    As they walked, Joelle and Katherine each held one of Aurora’s hands. The mall boasted parent-child rooms, reflecting a progressive recognition that child-rearing responsibilities were shared by both parents, not just mothers.


    Rafael took Rnd to change his diaper, while Joelle, Katherine, and Aurora ventured into a nearby toy store. Katherine hoisted Aurora up and gestured toward the shelves. “Pick any one you like, and it’s yours!” Aurora, lively yet well-mannered, sought Joelle’s approval with a nce before choosing.


    Joelle smiled, adjusting her clothes. “Go ahead. Kathy’s usually so frugal she wouldn’t even fix the heating in her office. She must adore you a lot.”


    “Hey!” Katherine retorted, a bit embarrassed. “I’ve fixed that, just so you know.”


    Pointing at two dolls, Aurora asked, “Can I have both of them?” Katherine was ready to indulge her, but Joelle interjected gently, “Isn’t one enough? You already have so many toys. Maybe the little turtle could be for Rnd?” Aurora beamed and nodded, happy to share with her brother.


    The siblings disyed a rare harmony, unlike the stereotypical rivalry expected in two-child families. Aurora enjoyed including Rnd in her activities, and he adored following her lead.


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    Katherine’s heart warmed. “Joelle, I used to dread the idea of marriage and kids, but seeing you now, I’m genuinely envious.” Joelle knew that ever since Katherine had been dumped by Frankie, she hadn’t been in a rtionship. Even though Katherine always said it was because she had no time, Joelle could tell that she was still bitter about that past rtionship.


    “Kathy, these things can’t be rushed. Aren’t you content with your independence? We all have our paths, and what brings joy to one might not suit another.” Katherine exhaled deeply, her voiceced with concern. “You’re right. But what about you? You and Rafael…” She trailed off, mindful of the little ears nearby.


    Joelle shook her head slightly. “Let’s talk about thatter.” After they had finished shopping and were exiting the store, Rafael joined them, cradling Rnd, while Aurora skipped ahead joyfully, clutching a little turtle toy.


    Suddenly, a distracted woman burst out of the restroom, colliding with Aurora and sending her tumbling to the floor. “Whose child is this? Look, she’s dirtied my shoes!” the woman snapped, frustration evident in her tone. Not seeing any adults around Aurora, she let her annoyance boil over into a kick aimed at the little girl.


    “What are you doing?” Katherine reacted instinctively, rushing to push the woman away. “How can you treat a child like that? Was that really necessary?”


    Joelle and Rafael hurried to Aurora’s side, their concern palpable. “Are you okay, honey?”


    Rafael, ever the doctor, began a swift check to ensure she was alright. Despite the pain, Aurora tried to stay strong, herrge eyes brimming with tears yet her voice steady. “Mommy, Daddy, I’m okay. Did I do something wrong?”


    Joelle had seen it all. The woman, engrossed in her phone, hadn’t noticed Aurora until toote. The collision was unfortunate, but the response was inexcusable. Aurora, being small and easily missed, wasn’t clearly at fault. Yet, the woman’s reaction, particrly the kick, was undeniably harsh.


    Both Rafael and Joelle stood protectively in front of Aurora. Joelle addressed the woman calmly but firmly. “Ma’am, while my daughter might have bumped into you, was there any need to respond so violently?”


    The woman retorted defensively, “Are you crazy? Didn’t you see her running towards me? She deserved it!”


    Katherine countered sharply, “You weren’t exactly paying attention either, busy with your phone!”


    “So what? Can’t you watch your own child? You’re ming others because you can’t keep an eye on her.”


    Rafael then interjected, “She’s only three years old. A reprimand might have been understandable, but kicking her? Why resort to such aggression?”


    “So what?” The woman sneered, her voice dripping with condescension. “If you can’t keep your child in line, don’t expect the rest of the world to handle her! It’s parents like you who spoil their kids, turning them into nothing worthwhile!”


    Joelle’s brow furrowed deeply, her toneden with disbelief and frustration. “Has our society really be so harsh that it can’t extend a little grace to a child? She’s only three. Do you really expect her to behave wlessly? And what about you—have you lived a wless life?”


    The woman checked her watch impatiently, dismissing the confrontation. “I don’t have time for this. You’re just after money, aren’t you? Fine, let’s settle this quickly.”


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