Chapter 236

“Mommy,” Joyce said hoarsely, distress evident in her voice. Remembering Sienna’s earlier words, she asked, “Does Daddy only like work and not me?”

“That’s not true,” Sienna replied, her voice thick with emotion. A heavy stone seemed to lodge in her chest, choking her. “Daddy really does like you.”

“Then why doesn’t he come to see me?” Joyce’s eyes reddened, sensing her mother’s turmoil as she cuddled closer. Her cries escalated into accusations: “Daddy is bad! I don’t like him anymore!”

“Joyce,” Sienna began, hesitating, her tongue tied. On impulse, she yearned to tell Joyce that her father cared deeply and had already visited, but she hesitated. She knew Josiah treated Joyce well and sensed a connection between them. Yet, she worried his attitude might change if he knew Joyce was his daughter. Many people are kind to stray animals, but few are prepared for the lifelong commitment of parenthood.

“Tara,” Joyce suddenly lifted her tear-streaked face. “Could you call Josiah for me, please?”

Tara hesitated, glancing at Sienna, then explained, “That gentleman spent quite a bit of time with Joyce yesterday after you left.”

Joyce pouted. “Josiah said if I’m not feeling well, I could call him.”

Indeed, Josiah had. Tara sought Sienna’s approval. “Should I make the call? He doesn’t seem like a bad person.”

Sienna nodded. “Go ahead.”

Surprised by Sienna’s agreement, Tara dialed Josiah’s number.

“Hello,” Josiah answered immediately. “Is Joyce unwell?”

“Yes,” Tara replied honestly. “She’s quite upset after today’s treatment… I’m sorry to bother you.”

“No problem at all,” Josiah assured her. Checking the time, he said, “I’ll visit this afternoon. Please tell Joyce to be good.”

“Alright,” Tara hung up, beaming. “Joyce, Josiah said he’ll come see you this afternoon. Be good, okay?”

“Mm-hmm!” Joyce, though still tearful and uncomfortable, felt her spirits lift.

Tara mused, “Isn’t it strange how fate works? Joyce seems to have a special connection with that gentleman.”

Sienna smiled faintly but remained silent. The bond between father and daughter is often destined, but its longevity is uncertain.

That afternoon, after finishing work, Josiah contacted Howard’s doctor before going to the hospital. “Mr. Flynn,” the doctor said, puzzled. “Are you inquiring about Howard’s condition? He’s recovering well.” Howard’s progress, particularly given his emergence from a coma, was impressive, largely due to the Flynn family’s financial support.

“Actually, I’m not here about that,” Josiah clarified. “I want to know if a certain medication Howard is using is suitable for children.”

“For children? How old? What’s the condition?”

Josiah explained Joyce’s situation.

“Well,” the doctor pondered. “Generally, there shouldn’t be any issue. However, specific use requires confirmation of the dosage with her doctor.”

“I see.” After the call, Josiah headed to the hospital, calling Tara on the way. “It’s me. How is Joyce? I’ll be there soon.”

“Not so well,” Tara sighed. “She’s asleep, but not peacefully.”

Josiah’s expression darkened as he hung up. Upon arriving, he didn’t go straight to the ward but sought out Brayden.

“Mr. Flynn,” Brayden acknowledged. “Please have a seat; Joyce began her treatment today.”

Josiah nodded, frowning as he mentioned the medication. “Do you think this will help Joyce?”

Brayden nodded. While not a cure-all, it could significantly ease Joyce’s discomfort. He hadn’t given it to her earlier due to its expense and unavailability in Jeiacrity.

“That settles it,” Josiah sighed, relieved. “I’ll take responsibility for getting it; I’ll have some sent over soon.” He could easily acquire it from Howard’s supply.

“Thank you, Mr. Flynn,” Brayden said gratefully. “You have no idea how much this means.”

Josiah went to the ward. Sienna was absent, having deliberately left upon hearing of his visit.

“Josiah!” Joyce, lying on the bed, saw him and tried to sit up.

“Easy now,” Tara quickly steadied her. “Josiah is here; happy now?”

“Mm! So happy!”

Josiah lifted Joyce into his arms, cradling her gently as he wiped the sweat from her flushed cheeks. He kissed her forehead and murmured, “You’ve endured so much; don’t worry… it will get better soon.”

He turned to Tara. “Where is Joyce’s mother? I need to inform her about the medication.”

Tara said helplessly, “She was here all day but just received a phone call and stepped out.”

“Oh…” Josiah frowned. “Then I’ll share the details with you, and you can tell her.”

“Alright.”

He explained the situation. Tara’s eyes sparkled with joy. “This is such good news! Joyce won’t have to suffer anymore!”

Josiah reassured her, “We’ll follow proper medical procedures; I’ve already consulted Dr. Flint. Please assure Joyce’s mother the medication is safe.”

Tara nodded eagerly. “Joyce has met her savior!”

With Sienna absent, Tara, feeling bold, said, “I must thank you on behalf of Joyce’s mother! She would be deeply grateful.”

Turning to Joyce, Tara encouraged, “Joyce, say thank you to Josiah!”

“Thank you, Josiah,” Joyce cheerfully exclaimed, hugging him tightly and kissing his cheek. “I like you the most!”

Sienna stood at the door, watching with tear-filled eyes. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she whispered, “Thank you, Josiah. Thank you for everything.”