Chapter 2955“We’re okay,” Nolan and Lana assured everyone.
The school staff, visibly relieved to see the children unharmed, showed their concern, asking if the kids
were injured or frightened.
“The children are fine. They hid and fell asleep, so they didn’t hear when they were called,” Nicole
explained.
“It’s good that the kids are found,” the staff said together, clearly relieved that the children weren’t in
danger.
“I’ll take them home now. They will rest for a couple of days before coming back to school,” Nicole
decided, intending to give Nolan and Lana some time off.
“Alright,” the homeroom teacher agreed, accompanying Nicole and the children to the kindergarten’s
exit.
“Let the kids rest well. We’re sorry this happened. We’ll strengthen our security measures,” the
homeroom teacher sincerely apologized to Nicole.
Nicole, feeling a bit responsible herself, replied, “We should be the ones apologizing.”
She knew it wasn’t the kindergarten’s fault and was just thankful that no other children or teachers were
troubled.
After getting into the car and driving away, a heavy silence enveloped the vehicle.
“Nicole, what exactly happened?” Tia asked, her eyes filled with concern.‘Today’s events are truly frightening. What if something had happened to Nolan and Lana?’ Nicole
glanced at Nolan and Lana, then deflected the question, “Let’s just get home first.” Realizing it wasn’t
appropriate to discuss the incident with Nolan and Lana present, Tia softly agreed, “Okay.”
When they arrived at the Riddle residence, Gloria, surprised to see them home early, asked, “Why are
you back so soon?”
“There wasn’t much to do today, so we came back early and picked up Nolan and Lana as well,” Nicole
said, making up an excuse.
She didn’t want everyone to worry about what had happened at the kindergarten, so she chose to keep
it a secret.
Gloria, looking at Lulu and Tia, was a bit puzzled, “How did you all end up together?”
She understood why Nicole might come back early, and Lulu could be with Nicole. ‘But why is Tia
here? Shouldn’t she have been in the backyard?’ “Oh, I went out to buy some things and just happened
to meet Nicole at the door,” Tia followed Nicole’s lead, playing along.
“I see,” Gloria nodded, still a bit curious about the unusual gathering.
“Gloria, is Daniel not home?” Lulu casually changed the subject.
“He’s at Benjamin’s house,” Gloria replied. “He’s been visiting his father whenever he has time.”
“I see. He should do so often,” Lulu conversed with Gloria, giving Nicole a knowing look.
Nicole caught Lulu’s glance and led Nolan and Lana upstairs.
After the children had bathed and changed into their pajamas, Nicole tucked them into bed.“Mommy, I’m fine now. You can take Lana back to her room, ” Nolan said, pulling up his little blanket
and speaking with a maturity beyond his years.
Nicole gently ruffled his hair. “You both should sleep together tonight. I’ll stay until you’re asleep, then
I’ll carry Lana back to her room,” she assured him.
At this moment, she felt uneasy about leaving Nolan alone. Though he appeared alright, the events of
the day could still be troubling for a young child.
“Okay,” Nolan agreed, obediently closing his eyes.
“Mommy,” Lana didn’t lie down but instead cuddled into Nicole’s arms.
Nicole held Lana close, gently stroking her hair. “Don’t worry, Mommy’s here with both of you. Go to
sleep,” she whispered comfortingly.
Nolan, who hadn’t slept during the usual nap time due to the day’s events, and Lana, though she had
slept, were both visibly shaken and exhausted.