Rene chuckled and offered Therese the flowers. "They are a reminder to get well, not thatyou need it." "Tell her that." Therese lifted her chin in Celine's direction. "She's going to smother me until I'm useless." "So then, you wouldn't mind missing her?" "I'd love the chance to miss her." Therese laughed. "Hey!" Celine butted in before taking the flowers from Rene. "They're beautiful, I'll put them in some water." She filled a vase and released the flowers into it, watching the daisies and sunflowers as they relaxed into their new home. Leaning forward, she sniffed and felt her smile grow. Whether they were for her or her mom, it proved again how thoughtful and kind Rene was. A man among boys – mature, but still fun, and so genuinely loving. When she returned to the living room, she expected her mother to be glowering at Rene furiously, trying to get him to leave like she always had before, but instead they were talking easily, as if they were friends. Celine cleared her throat and they both looked to her. Rene moved over, giving the seat closest to her mother up. Celine took it readily, taking her mother's hand and holding it tight. "Maman, are you-""Shush. I'm the mother and I'm fine." Therese huffed. "Go ahead, Rene. The sooner the better."
