CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 4
I called the pediatric nurse line while Patricia and Melissa stood in stunned silence.
The nurse told me to check Noah’s temperature again, watch his breathing, keep fluids going, and bring him in if the fever stayed high or he became less responsive.
Lauren tried to stand.
“I’ll get the thermometer.”
“No,” I said gently. “Sit.”
She froze.
Not because I had spoken harshly.
Because kindness had surprised her.
I softened my voice.
“Please sit down, Lauren.”
She sank into the chair near the table like her body had been waiting for permission to stop.
I found the thermometer myself.
Noah’s fever was high enough that the nurse recommended urgent care.
I grabbed his diaper bag from the hallway, then noticed it was half empty.
No clean pajamas.
No extra wipes.
No bottle of children’s fever reducer.
I looked at Lauren.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I meant to restock it.”
“Do not apologize.”
My mother made a sharp sound.
“Oh, Ethan, honestly. She forgot basic things and now you’re acting like we neglected her.”
I turned.
“You did.”
Patricia’s face hardened.
“We are guests.”
“No,” I said. “Guests ask what they can do. You sat in my kitchen and watched her drown.”
Melissa looked away.
That was when I knew she had seen more than she wanted to admit.
I packed the bag with one hand while holding Noah in the other.
Lauren tried to stand again.
“I’m coming.”
“You are,” I said. “But first you’re putting on shoes and taking a breath.”
Her lips trembled.
Patricia grabbed her purse.
“If you force me out tonight, do not expect me to come back when you need family.”
I looked at my son’s flushed face.
May you like
Then at my wife’s shaking hands.
“The family I need is already in this room.”
