The bathroom door slammed shut, and moments later, the unmistakable sound of Briony retching echoed from within.

Whatever breakfast she'd managed that morning ended up in the toilet. Only after emptying her stomach did she finally start to feel a little better.

Even with the door closed, the intensity of her nausea was apparent. The sound carried into the hallway.

Irwin frowned and looked up at Stewart. "Dad, why is Mom throwing up so much? Is she sick?"

Stewart's eyes darkened. He reached out and gently ruffled Irwin's hair. "She's probably just been a little too busy and overtired these past few days."

Irwin's face scrunched in concern. "Does that mean Mom won't be able to visit me as much?"

"That's something you can ask her yourself," Stewart replied.

Irwin sighed, clearly dissatisfied. He muttered, "She never used to be this busy.

It's like, ever since my mom came back, she's always got so much to do..."

Just then, the bathroom door opened.

Briony emerged, looking a little pale but composed.

Irwin turned to

small face etched with worry. "Are you

much better now that the nausea had passed, though she was

his dark eyes narrowed. "Upset

betraying a brief flicker

and answered, trying her best to sound

was genuinely worried. She just hoped he wouldn't catch on to anything. "Did you see a

he hadn't brought it up. The more Stewart questioned her,

Considering how much he doted on Rosita during her pregnancy, he must've learned

decided not to risk saying something wrong. Instead,

and walked over to the bed, brushing her hand gently over Irwin's cheek. "I'm alright, sweetheart. I just ate something bad the last couple of days. I'll take some medicine and be fine

raised an eyebrow, but didn't press

your medicine and get plenty of rest, okay?" Irwin squeezed her hand. "Even though I wish you could come see me every

heart swelled with emotion. Maybe she'd been worrying

Irwin, whom she'd cherished for five years,

to rest up." Briony was already feeling guilty, knowing she wouldn't be able to

I'll bring you back a present for the holidays. So you have to remember

furrowed. He gazed up at her with wide, anxious

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