Vivica rushed to the hospital and pushed open the door to the room, finding Joseph holding Chaim.
The little boy was clinging to him like a koala, and Joseph, clearly inexperienced at comforting children, was awkwardly patting his back.
Vivica dropped her bag and hurried over.
“Sweetheart, Mommy’s here. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know you were feeling sick, or I would have come back sooner,” she murmured, taking her son’s small hand in hers.
Joseph watched her with a heavy gaze. Seeing that she wouldn’t even look at him, he called her out directly. “You were afraid to see me, so you decided to neglect your son too.”
“No, that’s not it,” Vivica immediately denied, lifting the child from his arms. She still avoided his eyes. “I really did have work to catch up on after taking so much time off.”
She carried Chaim over to a small armchair on the other side of the room and sat down.
The door opened again, and Melanie walked in. “Vivica, you’re back.”
Vivica looked up at the older woman. “You’re still awake?”
“Chaim wasn’t feeling well, and you weren’t here. How could I possibly sleep?” Melanie stated it as a simple fact, with no hint of accusation in her tone.
Vivica knew how much she adored the child and nodded gratefully, urging her to get some rest.
Melanie glanced at the time. “Vivica, have you eaten?” she asked with concern.
“I’m not hungry. I’ll just focus on getting Chaim to sleep.”
Vivica hadn't eaten. She had planned to grab a quick bite near her office after work, but rushed back as soon as she heard about Chaim.
“How can you not be hungry? It’s so late.” Melanie mumbled, then turned her gaze to Joseph, who was sitting silently nearby. “What are you still sitting there for? Hurry up and order some food for Vivica.”
“Really, it’s fine. I can just order something later.”
“Delivery food has no nutrition. Your health is important.” Seeing her son’s sullen and unresponsive expression, Melanie walked over and kicked his long leg. “I’m talking to you. Who are you scowling at all night?”
Joseph wasn’t sure who he was scowling at. He just knew that Vivica’s attitude toward him put him in a foul mood.
“I know. You should go get some sleep. I’ll order her some food,” he finally relented, sitting up.
Worried that Melanie might sense the tension between them, Vivica tried again while soothing Chaim. “Please go get some rest. I can take care of him.”
“Alright, then. Since he only wants you, I’ll leave him in your care. If you need anything, make Joseph do it.”
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