Questa è Enida

It was nine in the evening and the house was very quiet after Kitreena was done talking on the phone with Paola. She was supposed to be in bed at eight just like Edrick but needed help from her best friend who was not available until about nine. Oh well… sometimes I just have to trust these little women.

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I waited for her upstairs and was eating late dinner quietly when she came up to the kitchen and asked me this question in the tone of voice that reminded me of my mother.

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Kitreena: Do you do this every night?

Mommy: Do what?

Kitreena’s question somehow made me nervous!

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Kitreena: Do you eat dinner late like this every night, when we are in bed?

Mommy: No, I don’t! I didn’t eat dinner at all last night.

And this question made me feel defensive and curious if she was going to preach me about healthy eating habit.

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Kitreena: Mom, when I see you eating on your own like that, it looks so… uh, so… lonely.

Mommy: *smiles* It is lonely. But it’s okay, Monch. I’m okay.

Kitreena: I always feel that way when I see somebody eating all by themselves. I feel like sitting with them and just be there so they won’t be so lonely.

Mommy: Come sit by me, then…

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We sat at the kitchen table for a while, saying nothing much, before I chased her to bed.

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It was the most un-lonely moment in my life.

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