Chapter 1035: Sneaking Out

Lysa went to wake Archie and Benny the next morning. Tender feelings filled her as she opened their door and saw them asleep in the same bed. They woke before she spoke, but their faces were pale. "Ms. Lane, my head hurts…" they mumbled, their voices hoarse from crying the night before.

Lysa's heart sank. She checked their temperatures, but they had no fever. "Hold on, I'll get your mother." She fetched Roxanne, who, having spent the last few days engrossed in research, was ready to leave. Hearing about the boys, she set down her bag and rushed upstairs.

"What's wrong? Ms. Lane said you aren't feeling well," she asked.

Benny threw himself into Roxanne's arms. "Mommy, my head hurts." Roxanne examined him, finding no symptoms. Archie yawned. "Benny kept stealing my blanket; I didn't sleep well." Roxanne concluded, "You probably caught a cold fighting over the blanket."

The boys looked miserable. As soon as Roxanne released Benny, he slumped onto the bed. Concerned by their apparent illness, she said, "You can stay home from school today and rest."

They nodded. Roxanne then informed Pippa of their absence. "I have important work; I can't stay home with you. Go back to bed and sleep. You'll feel better when you wake up." The boys, understanding it was best for Roxanne to leave, meekly agreed. "Ms. Lane will take good care of us!" Archie chirped.

Roxanne gave Lysa instructions before leaving. Once she was gone, the boys looked at Lysa.

"What is it? Are you hungry?" Lysa asked, concerned. They shook their heads. "Then… are you missing your mother? She has an important job—"

"Our heads hurt, Ms. Lane. We're tired and want to sleep," they interrupted. Benny clutched his head.

Lysa changed the subject. "Then rest. I'll get you when it's time for lunch."

"We might sleep until afternoon," Archie added. "Don't wake us if we don't get up when you knock."

Lysa considered Roxanne's earlier words and nodded.

After Lysa left, Archie and Benny sprang from bed, surprisingly lively. They tiptoed out of their room and peeked downstairs. Lysa was busy in the kitchen. Quietly descending the stairs, they reached the foyer and, after Archie discreetly unlocked the front door, slipped out one by one.

Lysa, while working, seemed to hear noises at the door. She checked the living room; the door was closed. Assuming it was her imagination, she returned to the kitchen.