While Alexis remained silent, Leonel pieced it together on his own.
His throat tightened as he muttered under his breath.
âWhat a silly boy!â
At that moment, Daniel murmured something, âComfort⦠her, Dad⦠Dadâ¦â
Hearing this, Waylen and Rena also grasped the situation.
Their hearts went out to the young boy.
Danielâs sudden sickness made Alexis and Leonel confront their fractured relationship once more.
Alexis had stuck by Danielâs side since they had rushed to the hospital.
Initially, Waylen and Rena had fretted Alexis might clash with Leonel if they shared a space.
But they kept their cool.
Privately, Waylen muttered to Rena, âHeâs looking less like trouble now.
â
Rena sighed, eyeing Leonel who looked noticeably thinner lately.
He seemed altered somehow.
He stayed mostly silent, whether it was a positive change wasnât clear.
By noon, Daniel stirred awake.
The little boy was still battling a fever.
His cheeks flushed and his eyes were weary as he peered at Alexis.
Feebly, he asked, âHow long was I out?â
Alexis touched his forehead gently.
âYouâve been asleep for hours.
Hungry? Iâve got some soup to perk you up.
â
Daniel didnât reply.
Tears welled up in his eyes and he whimpered.
âMom, I didnât mean to cause trouble.
â
His words pierced Alexis deeply.
She leaned in, her voice thick with emotion as she said, âI know, Daniel.
Kids your age get sick sometimes.
Baby⦠Donât blame yourself, alright?â
âI⦠itâs becauseâ¦â
Once brash, Daniel now wanted to confess to Alexis why he had fallen.
Before he could finish, the door swung open.
In walked Leonel, spotting Daniel awake.
He approached, ruffling the kidâs hair gently.
âNo more reckless stuff, alright? You need me, just holler.
â
Seemingly still peeved, Daniel buried his face in the pillow, mute.
âSilly kid,â Leonel chided playfully, scooping Daniel up, draping his coat over him.