Chapter 21

　　I looked at Essel seriously. "Baby, are you crying? It's okay..."

　　"Araceli..." Essel sniffled. "I haven't seen you for too long. I missed you so much..."

　　She stared at me, tears in her eyes.

　　I put Essel on the ground, squatted down, and whispered, "Honey, I'm really sorry, but I have things to do now. I have to go back first. I'll see you next time, okay?"

　　"No!"

　　Essel hugged me. She cried, "Araceli, please don't go! I have a lot to say to you."

　　I looked up at Raphael. He frowned slightly and crouched down too.

　　"Araceli..." Essel's tears kept falling. "Daddy let me study at home, but I don't want to, and I hate the food the chef makes! I'm starving now. Araceli, please don't go, okay? Staying with you will make me feel better."

　　She hugged me and cried out.

　　I felt sad, too, so I reached out and patted her on the shoulder.

　　I whispered, "Essel, what do you want to eat? Maybe I can bring some food over to see you nex