The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 23

Jonas's eyes lit up. "Really, Daddy? I can go with you to help others?"

I smiled and nodded. "Of course. Not only can we help others, but you'll also get to see a different side of the world. What do you think?"

"Sure!" Jonas said excitedly. "I want to go! I really want to go!"

Seeing the smile return to his face brought me a sense of relief. Perhaps this experience would help him grow stronger.

…

The next day, I took Jonas to an elementary school on the outskirts of town.

Most of the children there came from impoverished families, and the school's facilities were quite basic. When we walked into the classroom, curious eyes immediately turned toward us.

Jonas nervously hid behind me, and I gently patted his shoulder, signaling him to relax.

"Hello, everyone," I said with a warm smile. "I'm Mr. Joplin, and this is my son, Jonas. We're here today to make some new friends and bring you some school supplies."

I nodded to the teacher standing nearby, and she began organizing the children into a line.

Together, we distributed brand-new backpacks, pencil cases, notebooks, and other supplies to each child. Their eyes sparkled as they received the gifts, though they remained reserved and quiet.

Suddenly, Jonas stepped forward, pulling out some new sketchbooks and colored pencils from his backpack. He said shyly, "I… I really like drawing. Does anyone want to draw with me?"

A little girl timidly raised her hand. "I… I like drawing too."

"That's a great idea," I said while patting his head. "I'm very proud of you."

When we got home, I was about to start working on dinner when my phone rang. It was Yvonne.

Her voice sounded tense as she asked, "Where did you take Jonas today? Xavier said he saw you both getting on a school bus."

I frowned, irritation creeping into my voice. "Yvonne, do I need to report to you where I take my son?"

There was a brief silence before Jared's voice came through the line. "Mr. Joplin, Yvonne is just concerned about her child."

I let out a cold laugh. "Mr. Lawson, please stay out of our business. If there's nothing else, I'll be ending the call here."