Chapter 14

The café smelled like freshly baked bread and warm chocolate, the air filled with the sweet hum of breakfast chatter. The triplets stood at the counter, their eyes sparkling as they scanned the rows of colorful pastries behind the glass. Fahnareeh’s small finger pressed against the display.

“I want this one,” she said, pointing eagerly at a chocolate bun that gleamed under the soft light as if it were shining just for her.

“Tian, do you want porridge?” Fosbein asked, his tone calm, almost mature for his age.

Fastian wrinkled his nose. “No. It’s not delicious. Only Mommy’s porridge is delicious,” he explained stubbornly, folding his little arms.

Fosbein sighed like an adult worn out by childish stubbornness. “You two wait here, okay? I’ll take the plate over there.”

He dashed toward the stack of plates, running carefully on his short legs, the soles of his shoes squeaking softly on the polished floor. Behind him, Fastian grinned mischievously. He was already planning something. Fahnareeh, always easily swayed by her brothers, followed his cues.

Fastian leaned closer and whispered, “Let’s explore this cafe.”

But Fosbein returned quickly, clutching the plate with determination. “I’ll hold the plate,” he said firmly. “Just point at what you want, and I’ll take it.”

“I want the chocolate bun and the cupcake!” Fahnareeh exclaimed, bouncing slightly on her toes.

Fosbein stretched his arm to reach the pastries using the metal tongs. It was hard for him. He had to balance the plate and grab the food at the same time. Fahnareeh noticed his struggle and gently offered, “Let me help, Phi.”

“Don’t drop it,” Fosbein warned.

“I know,” she said softly, trying her best to be careful.

Together, they chose their food not forgetting to pick something for their mommy. Fosbein even decided on spaghetti carbonara and a small box of chicken nuggets.

“Please wait twenty minutes, your food will be done later,” said the café lady, smiling warmly.

“Okay, aunty,” Fosbein replied politely, bowing a little as he took the receipt.

—

Meanwhile, outside the café, Becky was rushing through the hallway, her heart pounding. She turned a corner and suddenly collided with someone. The impact made her stumble, almost losing her balance.

She gasped softly as she fell to the floor.

When she looked up, her breath caught in her throat. Freen.

For a moment, Becky froze. Quickly, she scrambled to her feet, brushing off her dress and want to go find the triplets.

“Wait!” Freen’s hand shot out and grabbed her wrist firmly. “I already know everything.”

Becky’s lips parted in disbelief. Her voice trembled slightly, but she forced herself to stay composed. “Freen, if you want to talk about all that…please later. I’m looking for my triplets.” She pried Freen’s hand off her wrist.

“What happened to them?” Freen asked, concern flickering in her voice.

“They’re missing,” Becky said shortly.

“What? How can that happen?” Freen’s eyes widened, a trace of panic in them.

But Becky didn’t answer. She simply turned and walked off, her steps quick and heavy, the sound of her heels echoing in the corridor. Freen followed close behind, silent but determined not to leave her.

—

A few minutes later, the triplets were walking back, carrying plastic bags filled with food. Fosbein handed one of the small bags to his sister. “Nareeh, you hold this, okay?”

“What about me?” Fastian asked, eyeing the remaining bags.

“Phi Tian’s hand is still hurt,” Fahnareeh said protectively.

“No need to hold anything,” Fosbein said.

“Nice,” Fastian grinned smugly.

The three of them giggled softly as they walked down the corridor, the morning light casting a soft glow on their tiny figures. But their laughter stopped abruptly when they saw Becky and beside her, Freen.

“Good morning, Mommy,” Fahnareeh said innocently, her eyes shining with joy.

“Morning,” Becky replied curtly, her tone firm, controlled.

Fahnareeh’s smile faded. “Mommy, why aunt Freen is here? She used to bully us with Prawit.”

Slowly, Becky looked to Freen. Freen  trying to maintain her calm.

“Mommy, don’t be close to this bully,” Fastian said quickly, glaring at Freen.

“Let’s go to the room now,” Becky said firmly, not wanting the situation to escalate.

Freen tried to help Fosbein carry the heavy bag, but he shook his head. “No need, Aunt. I can carry it.”

Becky stopped mid-step. She could see how much effort it took for him to hold the bag, his small arms trembling slightly. She sighed, walked back, and silently took the bag from Fosbein and Fahnareeh.

They followed her quietly, heads lowered, while Freen trailed behind them, her gaze softening as she watched the children’s small footsteps.

“Mommy will become Hulk later,” Fastian whispered to Fahnareeh.

“Are we being punished later?” she asked nervously.

Fastian gave a small nod the same with Fosbein.

—

Back in the hospital room, Becky placed the plastic bag down on the table. The triplets sit down on the couch in front of her and heads hung low.

“Stand up,” Becky ordered.

They obeyed immediately, standing side by side. Freen sat silently on the opposite couch, watching with concern as Becky crossed her arms, her expression unreadable.

“Becky, I guess…”

“Shut up, Freen. This is between me and my children,” Becky cut her off sharply.

“They’re my children too,” Freen said quietly.

Fastian’s head snapped up. “Since when are we Aunt’s children?” he asked bluntly. Fosbein and Fahnareeh both nodded slowly, supporting their brother’s words.

Becky looked at Fastian, her gaze stern but trembling ever so slightly. Fastian dropped his eyes again, ashamed.

“You better keep quiet, Freen, if you don’t want me to kick you out of here,” Becky said coldly.

Freen clenched her jaw but nodded silently.

Becky turned back to her children. “Fosbein Rox Suphaphorn Armstrong, do you know the mistake you made? The same goes for you, Fastian Bifah Suphaphorn Armstrong.” She looked at her youngest child. “And you, Fahnareeh Beena Suphaphorn Armstrong, do you know what you did wrong?”

None of them answered. The room fell silent except for the faint hum of the air conditioner.

“If you want to go anywhere, tell Mommy. Mommy can accompany you. Just now, you three made Mommy panic. You’re not teenagers yet, you’re still small,” Becky said, her tone calmer now, but her eyes still sharp. “Three of you want to explain now or later?”

“Will Mommy punish us later?” Fahnareeh asked, her eyes glistening.

“It’s a must,” Becky said simply. “Look at Mommy now, Fosbein and Fastian.”

Both boys lifted their heads slowly.

“Explain it now or after the punishment?,”

“Nong Nareeh was hungry this morning,” Fosbein began softly.

“That’s why we went to the café,” Fastian added.

“Why didn’t you tell Mommy?”

“Because Mommy was still sleeping,” Fastian replied.

“Mommy looked so tired,” Fahnareeh murmured.

Becky sighed, her anger melting slightly. “Fahnareeh and Fosbein, go wash this,” she said, handing them a large towel. “Fastian, your punishment is to stand until your siblings are done.”

“Yes, Mommy,” they chorused quietly.

Becky tore off a small piece of the chocolate bun and fed it to Fahnareeh. “Finish your punishment first, then you can eat the rest,” she said softly.

As the two knelt to wash the towel, Fahnareeh began to play around, deliberately splashing water on Fosbein.

“Nareeh! Mommy’s watching you!” Fosbein hissed.

Fahnareeh turned quickly. “Sorry, Mommy,” she said, biting her lip.

Becky only nodded, hiding a faint smile that tugged at the corners of her lips. “Don’t bite your bottom lip.”

Across the room, Freen watched silently, her heart aching. She didn’t like how Becky was punishing them. She walked over to Fastian, crouched beside him.

“You can sit, Fastian,” she whispered. “I’ll handle your Mommy later.”

“No,” Fastian said quietly but firmly.

“Do you always get punished by Mommy?” Freen asked gently.

“No,” Fastian replied, shaking his head.

Freen rose and faced Becky. “Stop punishing them. They’re still kids,” she said, her voice steady but emotional.

Becky glanced at her watch. “They haven’t even been punished for a minute. And you already want me to stop? What right do you have to tell me what to do?” Her voice hardened. “What right do you have, Freen?”

The room fell silent again. The triplets froze mid-motion. Even the sound of dripping water seemed to stop.

And in that thick, uneasy silence. The tension between Becky and Freen finally surfaced like an unspoken storm that had been waiting far too long to break.