Given how well-raised the boys were, they shook their heads, despite liking the toys, knowing how expensive they were. "We can't accept these. They're too expensive," they said.
Estella tilted her head in confusion, then placed the toys beside them and scribbled in her notebook: "For you. Thank. Help."
Benny peered at her writing in bewilderment. "She can't write a complete sentence," he murmured. "What is she trying to say?"
Archie, initially perplexed, quickly understood. "Are you trying to say you're thanking us for our help that day?"
Nodding fervently, Estella put down her notebook and held the car figurines out again.
Roxanne recalled her sons' kindergarten teacher mentioning Archie and Benny protecting Estella. "I remember the teacher mentioning it," she mused. "What on earth could have happened between mere children, though?" But judging by Estella's behavior, whatever Archie and Benny did for her seemed to be a very big deal.
"What happened that day?" Roxanne asked.
"Essie got hurt after another student pushed her," Archie explained. "Benny and I got that student to apologize to Essie, and then we took her to the school nurse."
Roxanne nodded, understanding.
"Can we accept these gifts, Mommy?" Archie asked, feeling sorry to see the little girl still holding the toys.
Roxanne chuckled. "Okay. Give her something of yours in return."
The boys took the toy cars, thanking Estella. "Thanks, Essie! Wait for us here, okay? We'll get you some gifts too!" They scurried upstairs to find something to give her.
Only Roxanne and Estella remained in the living room. Seeing how obedient Estella looked, Roxanne couldn't resist expressing concern. "Does your hand still hurt?"
Estella walked to Roxanne, raised her hand, revealing the injury. A visible bruise on her pale hand tugged at Roxanne's heart. Relieved after examining it closely to ensure there were no internal injuries, Roxanne asked, "Did you use any ointment?"
Estella hesitated, then innocently shook her head, seeing Roxanne's worry. This made Roxanne's heart ache even more. Lucian, Estella's father, surely would have noticed such a bruise. Had he not given her any ointment? Roxanne then thought of Estella's habit of running away from home. "Lucian, you're a terrible excuse for a father!" she thought.
Unaware of Roxanne's silent judgment, Estella stared eagerly at her. If I told her I haven't used any ointment, would she help me?
Noticing Estella's gaze, Roxanne ran her fingers over the bruise. "Wait for me here. I'll be back with a medical kit," she said gently.
Estella nodded excitedly, her eyes sparkling. Roxanne's heart melted. She retrieved a medical kit and carefully treated the girl's bruise. As a doctor, she was naturally gentle and careful.
"Does it hurt?" she asked, applying ointment and looking at Estella with concern.
Shaking her head, Estella gazed at her hand, observing Roxanne. Ms. Jarvis' hands are so pretty too. And she's so much gentler than Daddy. I don't feel any pain at all. I like her even more now!
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