She realized that despite his condition, he was trying to put on a brave face because she had been harsh with him.
She ran her hand through Brantleyâs hair and held him close.
Brantley nestled into Elissaâs arms, reluctant to let go.
He was burning up with fever and he began to cry, gripping her clothes tightly.
Looking down at him, Elissa comforted him gently, her heart growing heavier.
She had often been unfairly harsh on Brantley, yet it didnât really seem fair to the boy.
After all, no one wanted to be an illegitimate child if given choices.
In a tender voice, Elissa said, âLetâs get you dressed, and Iâll take you to the hospital.â
The little boy opened his eyes, saw her clearly, and shivered as he tried to dress himself.
Elissa gathered his clothes, helping him to sit on the bedâs edge, leaning against her.
Although inexperienced with children, she displayed an unexpected adeptness, perhaps driven by instinct.
Brantleyâs cheeks were red with fever, and he seemed frail as he got out of bed.
Yet, he insisted on walking by himself, not wanting to burden the maid.
He was thoughtful, aware that the maid was hired to take care of Elissa and her future baby; and he believed himself to be too big for her to carry.
The maid, moved by his consideration, supported him as they descended the stairs.
Despite being more than six months pregnant, Elissa went to the roadside to hail a taxi.
The taxi driver was very kind.
Seeing two women with a child and no man around, he offered to help get Brantley into the car.
Curiously, he asked, âWhereâs the man of the house?â
Elissa quietly answered, âHeâs away on business and couldnât get back in time.â
The driver said casually, âWhat kind of man does that? Heâs about to become a father again yet leaves his family at such a time? Thankfully, you have someone to look out for you.â
Brantley pursed his lips.
He quietly grabbed Elissaâs hand, worried she might reveal to the driver that he wasnât her child.
He was anxious about others learning about his rather shameful background.
But as the driver settled into his seat, Elissa softly mentioned, âWhen he returns, we really need to have a serious discussion.â
The driver pressed the gas pedal.
He found Brantley quite handsome and glanced at him in the rearview mirror, saying with a smile, âYou son looks like you.
You two really do look alike!â
Brantley tensed up once more.
Elissa gently took his feverish hand in hers.
She urged Brantley to rest his head on her shoulder.
She embraced him firmly, reassuringly whispering that he could sleep for a bit and she would wake him upon their arrival at the hospital.