Mr. Neal, Mrs. Neal’s Gone With The Money

Joshua chitched at Cynthia’s hand, his breaths coming in hot gusts

Pausing in her movements, Cynthia allowed Joshua to grasp her hand as questions flooded her mind. “When you went out with Yoel yesterday, did you not dress warmly enough?” she asked.

“Idk.”

“Then why do you have a fever?”

“I do not know…”

With nothing else she could do but wait for the doctor, Cynthia was baffled as Joshua’s fever did not seem to be decreasing despite having taken the antipyretics. As she mulled over yesterday’s events, she could not fathom how Joshua caught a fever. Joshua always had a healthy body. Could his two previous fevers have weakened him, making him susceptible to illnesses?

“Cynthia,” Joshua said, holding tightly onto her hand.

“Yes, what is it?” Cynthia asked, turning her gaze towards him.

“Can you promise me that you won’t leave me behind?” Joshua’s words came out in a slow drawl. Paired with his slightly pale face, he was a picture of vulnerability that called for her tender care.

behind. Rest well, and save your strength.

level.

everything was tolerable as long as Cynthia was by his

He looked surprised to find Joshua still in bed.

later. Joshua is running a fever. We will wait for his recovery,” Cynthia

to suspect that Joshua might be feigning his sickness. Approaching Joshua, he felt his forehead and body, discovering that

resting with his eyes closed, was aware of Matthew’s suspicion. Having anticipated this reaction, he had allowed himself

need to take him to the hospital?” Matthew

called the doctor

this, ceased to

Cynthia, seeing

fever?” Matthew asked, a hint of suspicion in

imagine how

supervision.

Joshua is better. I feel there’s more to

“What do you

night, as if he has matured somewhat,” Matthew admitted, dropping subtle hints

you mean his mental age has increased?”