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.

also tried, “Hiram, come eat. Watching TV for too

ignored us both.

and

tantrum. “I don’t want to eat! I

to eat! Look how thin you are! You need food to grow tall and

without eating! I want to watch cartoons, turn it back on!”

him and went to have my

Hiram’s stubbornness. He continued crying, scaring the other three into joining him. The

soothe the trio, eventually putting

throwing a

finally threatened to call his mother, “If you don’t, I will call your

looking scared, he looked defiant. “Good, call my mommy. She won’t make me eat. I can drink soda!”

a doctor, and she knew Hiram had a sensitive stomach. Why would she allow him

you watch TV after the meal?” I tried to

cry again, “I want mommy. I don’t want to

about ten more minutes of this, I was drained. I tried calling Neil for advice, but he didn’t answer, even after three attempts.

helpless, the doorbell rang. Thinking it might be Mitch, I

didn’t want to let her in, but I

tone fraught with displeasure.

immediately jumped up from the floor,