Chapter 13: Something Happening to Mommy

Roxanne led the girl to the living room couch. The two boys quickly brought the medical kit and sat beside her, watching Roxanne treat her wound.

Roxanne accepted the kit, thanking the boys. As she reached for the burn cream, she realized she'd hurt her dominant (right) arm. Using her left hand would be difficult.

"Mommy, let me help!" Archie offered, reaching toward her.

Roxanne, finding it inconvenient, nodded. Just as she was about to hand Archie the cream, a large hand intercepted them and took the tube.

Roxanne and Archie turned to see Lucian. He crouched before Roxanne, his brow slightly furrowed. "Let me," he said.

Archie nudged Benny, and they scooted aside to make room for Lucian. He gently took Roxanne's hand, and something briefly flashed through her mind. Lowering her gaze, she murmured, "Sorry to trouble you."

Lucian's frown deepened, but he said nothing. Estella clung tightly to Roxanne's shirt, watching her father's hands, seemingly fearful Roxanne would feel pain.

Sensing Estella's nervousness, Roxanne smiled reassuringly. "It doesn't hurt at all."

Estella's eyes glinted, but her gaze remained fixed on Roxanne's hand. Archie, beside Lucian, was visibly worried but silent. Benny, however, tilted his head and observed intently.

"It looks serious," Benny said. "Will blisters form? Mommy's a doctor, and her hands are important. We can't let anything happen to her."

Roxanne laughed. "It'll be fine. I'm a great doctor! This is special burn cream I've used on you both before."

Benny nodded. After a moment of silence, he nervously asked, "Will it leave a scar? Mommy's arms are pretty. Please don't let it leave a scar!"

Roxanne shook her head. "It won't. Don't worry."

Though speaking to Benny, Roxanne remained aware of Lucian beside her. A few minutes felt like an eternity.

"It should be fine now. Take a look," Lucian's deep voice murmured near her ear.

Roxanne glanced at her arm, then withdrew it. "It's alright now. Thank you."

Lucian's hand froze, then slowly retreated as he rose.

Estella tugged Roxanne's shirt, bringing her back to the present. Roxanne showed her the treated arm.

Estella stared intently, then smiled. Roxanne's heart leaped. Nervously, she asked, "Are you at ease now that I've treated my wound?"

Estella smiled and nodded, a dimple appearing at the corner of her mouth.

"Mommy, Essie's smiling!" Benny exclaimed, jumping off the couch.

Roxanne, overwhelmed with relief, was speechless. Tears welled in her eyes as she hugged Estella. "I'm glad you're getting better. Don't scare me like that again, okay? The boys will play with you at kindergarten. Tell us if you have any trouble, okay?"

Estella nodded, nestled in Roxanne's embrace.

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