Closer

Calvin was stunned when Madelyne suddenly hugged him especially when she said that out of nowhere.

Before he could say anything, Madelyne continued. "I know that you hate that part of you before even when you don't say a thing to us. But now that I see you growing up and acting like that, I'm happy for you Cal."

This was probably the first time he was genuinely praised by his mother and he was left stunned, embarrassed, but most of all happy. Because someone have praised him in a genuine way and it came from his mom.

"Thanks mom." Calvin smiled as he can't help but also hug her in his arms.

Madelyne looked at him in the eye and smiled but then shook her head with a hint of sadness. "I know that I'm not a good mom. I didn't get to teach you many things when you were younger, causing you to make mistakes that you regret till this day. Even your sister was like that as well. If only I could've focused more on you guys way earlier... we can be a lot closer and open to each other... especially you."

As she reached this point, a deep regret can be seen in her eyes as she said in a low voice. "I'm sorry Cal."

Seeing her face full of regret and thinking back in her words, he can't help but reminisce some of those mistakes that he did when he was younger which made him have some regrets in his life. It was nothing too big and traumatising but still its better to not have any regrets right?

Calvin shook his head and smiled as he hugged her tighter. "This might sound cliche mom but I don't blame you even once. You can believe me on this. Even if I have some regrets, those things are not enough to make me sad for the rest of my life. Besides, I treat those as lessons for me to learn and that's one thing that I don't regret at all. And even if you think that what you did to us isn't enough, for me and sis, it was more than enough. You have given us care and love, what more could we ask for? So don't blame yourself ok mom?"

Madelyne teared up a bit as she listened to his heartfelt words. She couldn't help but think that she was so lucky to have children like them. She knows that they have matured quickly both mentally and physically which she was grateful and proud.

Looking at his sincere and gentle eyes, Madelyne knew there was no need to continue her regrets. Indeed, if they think it was enough then she is glad. But she will not be satisfied with how things are currently and seeing the chance that presented itself to her, she would grab it and make full use of it.

"Ok. But I want you guys to be open to me more especially you. You always like to keel things to yourself and not tell us about it. I want us to get closer got it?" Madelyne said with a serious expression.

Calvin can only smile helplessly, "I'll try mom."

Madelyne smiled as she hugged him tighter, "Also I want us to be a lot more closer than before so I want you to hug me from time to time ok? Don't be shy and embarrassed about it. Let's become closer as a family, to make up for the days that we've missed so can you do that for me Cal? Please?"

Looking at his mom's unexpectedly cute side, Calvin can't help but snuggle her head against his chest and said with a smile. "Ok jeez I'll try ok? Don't expect too much though."

Madelyne smiled when he snuggled her head close to him as she thought. 'Ohh how I've longed for this moment. To become a lot closer and open to them and to be able to hug them like this without feeling embarrassed. Even though this is only for Cal, I'll make sure to hug Lyn too.'

A fierce determination flashed in her eyes as she said feeling satisfied. "That's enough for me. Thank you Cal."

"Ehh no problem?" Calvin replied uncertainly since he doesn't know how to respond to that.

The two, or rather Madelyne continued hugging him for a minute withiut saying anything until Calvin finally stopped her since he was feeling too embarrassed by the people watching them as they talked about them with jealousy and envy in their eyes.

Madelyne reluctantly released him and can't help but grumble in her mind about the people interrupting their precious moment.

To rid of his shame, Calvin gave the earring to Madelyne so she can equip it. At first she refused it since she knows how rare the equipment is but Calvin convinced her to take it since she needs it more because her class needs intelligence more than him. After hearing his explanation, she finally accepted it.

They then continued to grind for a bit more slimes just to finish her quest and along the way their interaction to each other have definitely changed.

Madelyne clinged onto him when walking but not in an intimate way. Just holding his arm while asking him about his personal life to know more about him.

Calvin even though a bit reluctant still answered her questions. He was not mad, just a bit hesitant because of the change in their relationship. Nonetheless, he was happy about it because in his dreams, he had also wanted to become like this with his family. Becoming more open to them.

As for Madelyne, just one glance and one could tell she is clearly very happy and content due to the wide smile on her face.