Chapter 9
Xander looked at Mom’s back as she turned and kept working with that resolute posture of hers. It finally made him realize he had completely lost her.
Mom’s business flourished. With her hard work and good cooking skills, she saved enough money to rent a small storefront on a street not far from the orphanage.
A red sign with yellow characters was hung up-“Jelly’s Stew Shop.”
The tiny shop had just a few tables, and a huge iron pot always simmered on the stove, stewing all sorts of meats. The rich aroma filled the whole street, and business was booming.
Smiles appeared more often on Mom’s face, and she looked more energetic.
She was no longer the pale and melancholic “Ms. Dawson” from the McNeils, but the lively owner “Ms. Jessica“.
With a steady income and a home, Mom gathered her courage again and submitted another adoption application to the
orphanage.
In the orphanage, the person in charge looked at the papers and frowned, seemingly troubled.
“Ms. Dawson, we understand your situation, and we sympathize. But… you’re a single woman without a partner. Although you
have income now, your livelihood still raises concerns about stability. Adopting a child is a serious responsibility…”
Mom felt her heart jump to her throat, and her hands twisted together nervously.
Just then, Georgia happened to walk in. She glanced at the papers, then looked toward the office window. I was leaning against
the windowsill, looking inside eagerly and longingly with my face pressed against the glass.
Georgia was silent for a moment. Then, she walked to the window, opened it, and gently asked me, “Kiddo, do you want to go
with her?”
She pointed at Mom inside the room. I immediately stood up straight, and my face bloomed with a smile brighter than the sun. I
answered loudly, “I do, Ms. West! I really do! And also, Ms. West, my name’s not Kiddo!”
I puffed out my chest and said proudly, “My name is Sally Dawson! It’s the name Mom gave me!”
Georgia looked at the pure light shining in my eyes and the undisguised attachment, then at Mom inside the room, whose gaze
was nervous yet full of hope.
She sighed, then smiled and turned to the person in charge.
“The child’s feelings and her name are the best proof. Process the paperwork for her.”
The comments came pouring in once more.
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Chapter 9
“Woohoo! Adoption successful!”
“Let’s celebrate! Celebrations!”
“Ms. West is a good person! May she live a peaceful life forever!”
“Jelly’s Stew Shop! The mother and daughter are finally happy! This is the best!”
On the day the adoption papers were officially stamped and approved, Mom held my hand tightly as we walked out of the
orphanage gate.
The warm sunlight shone down on us.
“Mom! Let’s go home!” I cheered as I skipped happily.
“Yeah! Home!” Mom smiled with red–rimmed eyes, nodding firmly.
“What are we eating today? Cabbage rolls? Roast chicken? Or is it gumbo?” I asked excitedly.
“Whatever you want to eat, I’ll make it for you!”
“Then… Gumbo! I’ve been craving it for so long!”
“Alright! In this house, Sal gets the final say!” Mom said happily.
From then on, Jelly’s Stew Shop was always filled with the cheerful sounds of the mother–daughter duo’s Southern accents. I finally lived a happy life where I had stews every day and Mom’s love in every moment.
The viewers‘ comments also seemed to show their celebrations for us.
“Throwing flowers for your happiness! May you both be happy forever!”
“Long live the stew! Long live a mother’s love!”
“The Southern brat and her stew shop mother are locked together forever! I swallowed the key that frees them!”
“The perfect ending! May peace be upon Jelly year after year!”
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