Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 432

“Awesome! Can I play video games at your house?” Hiram asked, excitement lighting up his face despite the fresh wound on it.

Ever since his mother, Karina, had been spending more time with Ryan and Faith, she had been stricter with Hiram, not allowing him as much gaming time as before.

So the prospect of playing games at my house was clearly a thrill for him.

I didn’t answer him directly, but merely led him out of the hospital and drove him home.

Throughout the ride, Hiram chattered away with Serena and Brandon. His English was getting more fluent by the day, and for some reason, my two little ones loved listening to him talk.

Once we reached home, I quickly unloaded the stroller and placed Serena and Brandon in it, with Hiram eagerly lending a hand.

“Over there are some toys. Go and have some fun,” I said, pointing to a corner of the living room where I had stashed some toys for Serena and Brandon.

Hiram shook his head. “I don’t want toys, Grandma and Grandpa have bought me lots. Ms. Finch, I want to play video games, or maybe watch some cartoons!”

I had to look after three kids all by myself, and Norah was busy cooking, so I didn’t have time to play games with Hiram. I turned on the TV to a cartoon he liked, then went to change Serena and Brandon’s diapers.

With the cartoon playing, Hiram was quite well-behaved. He would even tease the three babies from time to time, creating a harmonious atmosphere. It was not until mealtime that I noticed a problem.

“Hiram, turn off the TV. It’s time to eat,” I called, scooping a small bowl of food for him.

But Hiram didn’t budge, completely engrossed in the cartoon.

TV for too long

us

walked up and turned the TV off.

tantrum. “I don’t want to eat! I want to watch

are! You need food to grow tall and

eating! I want to watch

his tantrum, I knew better than to give in to a child’s whims. I ignored him and went to have my meal,

underestimated Hiram’s stubbornness. He continued crying, scaring the other three into joining him. The living room was filled with the sound of crying, creating a chaotic atmosphere.

I rushed to soothe the trio, eventually putting them to

was still throwing a fit, acting as if the world would end if he

going to get up?” I finally threatened to call his mother,

looked defiant. “Good, call my mommy. She won’t make me

and she knew Hiram had a sensitive stomach. Why would she allow him to skip

let you watch TV after the meal?” I tried to bargain.

eat; the food is yucky!” Hiram refused and began to cry again, “I want mommy. I don’t want to eat. You’re a mean lady, forcing me to eat!”

tried calling Neil for advice,

rang. Thinking it might be Mitch, I peeked through the peephole and was surprised to

in, but

fraught with displeasure. She barged into the living room without waiting for

Karina, Hiram immediately jumped up from the floor, his