I'll talk to him.

Please do this, Cath.

Annye's in the kitchen with Lizzie. And I have a cake in the oven. Don't let it burn. Catherine said.

OK.

Catherine took Jimmy's medicine and went to his room. She knocked on the door.

I don't want to talk to anyone now! Shouted Jimmy.

Catherine opened the door.

Does that include Mommy? She asked.

Jimmy was lying down, his face turned to the wall, and he turned to look at her.

Catherine saw that he was crying.

No. You know I can never say no to you, Mom.

Great. I brought your medicine to pain. Catherine said.

I don't want to, mom.

Why not, my love?

Because these remedies don't solve anything. I can't do what I want.

Catherine sat down in Jimmy's bed.

Jimmy, sometimes, at the moment, we don't understand why things happen. But in the future, we can see that what we wanted was not what was best for us.

I really wanted to play football, Mom.

I know, son. But let's look to you at the beginning of your life. You couldn't walk. The doctors said you would never walk. Only a doctor gave us hope. And I clung to that hope, authorized the surgery without being able to ask his father's opinion because he was away. We almost lost you and your Aunt Mary hated me for it.

I remember you two stayed a long time without speaking.

Yes, she only met your brother on his three-year anniversary. Catherine said.

To See you walking, bringing the rings at my wedding with your father was our greatest joy, Jimmy. Do you remember?

I don't remember very well, mom.

It's because you were only four. Catherine said, smiling.

Jimmy put his head on Catherine's lap.

Catherine caressed his head.

The battle was and still is hard, son. But you're here, you can walk. See your friend Lizzie, she has the same problem as you, she went through the same surgeries as you and she doesn't walk as well as you.

I know mother. The most popular girls at school treat her badly for this. But I like Lizzie very much.

Yes, I know. So, be grateful to God and to life, son. If you can't play soccer, you can do other things. Now, take your medicine. Said Catherine, rising from the bed.

Okay. Jimmy said, taking the medicine from Catherine's hand.

And speaking of Lizzie, she's here. Are not you two going to do the homework together?

Yes mom. I had forgotten. I left my group to do this work with her, otherwise she would do it alone. Jimmy said.

That was very sweet of you, my son.

So get up, wash your face and get off this bedroom. Catherine said affectionately.

Are you can make a snack to us?

I'll do whatever you want, my baby. Catherine said, leaving.

Catherine came downstairs and Steve was in the living room with Annye and Lizzie.

He's coming, Lizzie.

Thank you, Catherine.

Catherine, the cake is ready. Let's go to the kitchen. Steve said.

Catherine went to the kitchen with Steve.

And then, Cath?

He knows nothing about adoption. Do not worry. He is sad because he can't be on the team.

Thank God. Steve said.

Sometimes I think I'd better tell him everything. So we can live without this secret. Catherine said.

I'm not ready for this yet, Cath.

It's ok.

Jimmy got up, washed his face, and went into the living room.

Hey, Jimmy. Lizzie said when she saw him.

Hey, Lizzie. Let's start?

Yes, Lizzie said, trying to get up.

Let me take your notebooks to the table. Jimmy said.

Thank you Jimmy.

Catherine prepared sandwiches and juice for the kids and also served the cake.

Annye ate the cake voraciously.

Mommy, the cake is wonderful! I love chocolate cake.

Thank you, Annye. But eat slowly, my dear.

It's really good, Catherine. Lizzie said.

Thank you, Lizzie.

Let's stay out there for a bit? Jimmy and Lizzie need to study. Catherine said.

Come on out Annye and James. Steve said to the children.

Catherine sat down with Steve to watch the children play in the yard.

Steve took her hand.

Did I ever tell you how much I love you today?

No. Actually, it's been a while since the last time. Catherine said.

Oh, really? I need to fix this. Said Steve, smiling.

Yes, you need fix this later. I'm going to wait for this. Said Catherine, kissing him.

Lizzie and Jimmy were doing the homework.

Jimmy, thanks for doing the homework with me.

You're welcome, Lizzie. I'm happy to do this to you.

Oh, my pen isn't working anymore. Lizzie said to Jimmy.

I'll get you a pen. My dad must have some in his office. Jimmy said getting up.

Jimmy opened some drawers in Steve's office, looking for a pen. He found a pen at the bottom of the drawer. He picked up some papers and a paper caught his attention. Jimmy took the papers with his trembling hands.

Jimmy was devastated.

I'm Adopted!