A faint sound of running water echoed through the phone.

Briony's breath hitched, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Irwin's fever still hasn't broken. The tests say he has acute bronchitis and pneumonia-he needs to be admitted for IV treatment."

Rosita's voice instantly tightened with worry. "How could this happen? Wasn't he perfectly fine when Stewart dropped him off this morning?"

The accusatory tone made Briony's brow furrow. "Ms. Lockwood, I have to remind you—Irwin's health is fragile. He has a long list of dietary restrictions."

With that, Briony ended the call.

She clenched her phone and glanced at Irwin, who lay on the hospital bed, sweating and restless even as he slept. A burning frustration twisted in her chest, making it hard to breathe.

A nurse came in and started Irwin's IV.

After about fifteen minutes, Irwin began to sweat, and his fever finally started to subside.

Just then, the door to the room swung open.

Stewart and Rosita hurried inside.

"Irwin!"

the bedside, tears streaming as she saw her son sleeping, hooked up to the

caressed his cheek and called gently,

awake, and when he

his face, voice thick with emotion. "Don't be afraid, sweetheart. I'm right here

"Mom, don't go...'

going anywhere." Rosita's tears came harder, her love and worry for Irwin moving

and he slipped back

uncontrollably, as if Irwin had fallen gravely

handkerchief from his pocket and handing it

without a word, buried herself in Stewart's arms. "It's all my fault. If I hadn't had such a difficult labor, Irwin wouldn't be so weak now. I've ruined his

wrapped one strong arm around her shoulders, patting her gently. "Irwin would be upset if he heard

soothing words,

the foot of the bed, watching everything unfold. Pain pricked at her chest, sharp and relentless, but her face

she had no reason to stay any

slipped out of the room. As she turned the corner, she nearly collided with Fiona, who was striding down the hallway with

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255