Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Little Mario scrunched his nose and shook his head. "No," he declared, with a look of determination that could have rivaled someone pledging allegiance.

Stewart studied his small face for a moment, then looked away and continued eating.

Garry glanced at Stewart, but seeing his indifference, let it go and turned his attention back to his own plate.

"What does 'physiological aversion' mean?" Little Nina asked, swallowing a bite of potatoes, her eyes wide with curiosity.

James smiled and explained, "Well, it just means that while we think potatoes taste good, when Little Mario eats them, they probably taste completely different to him."

"Huh?" Little Nina blinked at him. "So what do they taste like to Little Mario?"

James considered this. "Maybe sour? Bitter? Or like... a wet mop? Maybe like something from a sewer?"

Stewart, who had been eating with perfect composure, paused mid-chew.

Little Mario pointed at the potatoes and declared, "Gross."

Stewart's movements stilled, his eyes unreadable.

"Potatoes are so tasty! How come you think they're gross?" Little Nina shook her head with genuine sympathy. "Poor Little Mario!"

"It's just how he's wired. But really, Little Mario isn't picky about much else," Carol said, ruffling his hair affectionately.

Briony grabbed a few green beans, snipped them into bite-sized pieces, and placed them in Little Mario's bowl. "If you don't like the potatoes, that's fine. Green veggies are full of vitamins-eat up."

"Th-thank you!" Little Mario's eyes sparkled as he looked up at her.

Briony was quietly pleased to see how much more comfortable he was talking to people now.

born a bit frail, and with only adults around, he'd been so carefully looked after that he never really felt the need to

you took Little Mario to see Dr. Ellsworth, what did

congenital. He suggested we help him with a better diet and some gentle

is really good

an eyebrow. "Is he,

continued, "When Little Nina was a baby, her immune system was awful. She hardly put on any weight and was always sick. She's allergic to

Little Nina.

was a

see him in the next town over. After his treatment, Little Nina gradually got better. Now that her digestion's improved, she absorbs everything, and her resistance

smiling. "Just look at her now—she eats with such gusto and looks

at Little

eating, glancing unconsciously at his

was thoroughly focused on her

Carney chuckled, "Our

is a chatterbox. The only time

she's eating

at the

and looked up, blinking innocently. "Why are you

her eyes crinkling with

beans and frowned, her

Everyone stifled a laugh.

up another spoonful of warm soup and declared, "Watch all you want. No matter

table erupted

Nina, the whole atmosphere at lunch felt

healthy and cheerful, and couldn't help

to persuade Garry to take Briony's advice and bring Little Mario to see Dr. Ellsworth