The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 23 Jonass 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 youll also get to see at 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 schools 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 , everyone , , I said with a warm smile .

Im Mr.

Joplin , and this is my son , Jonas .

Were 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 .

Jonas smiled and walked over to her , starting a conversation .

Before long , more children gathered around , and the classroom was filled with laughter and chatter .

The children eagerly showed off their new supplies , some already sketching or writing in their notebooks .

Watching this scene filled my heart with warmth Jonas was no longer the boy who hid behind me , cautiously watching the world from a distance .

In his own clumsy yet sincere way , he was reaching out to the world .

As we left the school , Jonas reluctantly said goodbye to his new friends .

He excitedly shared his experiences from the day on the drive home .

He suddenly said , Daddy , can we visit them more often ? I want to teach Rainey how to draw .

Chapter Shes really talented ! I nodded , feeling proud .

Of course , we can .

But remember , our visits arent just for fun .

The most important thing is to help them.

Jonas nodded seriously .

I understand , Daddy .

Can I bring some of my toys and books for them next time ? Thats a great idea , I said while patting his head .

Im 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 Jareds voice came through the line .

Mr.

Joplin , Yvonne is just concerned about her child .

1 let out a cold laugh .

Mr.

Lawson , please stay out of our business .

If theres nothing else , Ill be ending the call here .