Chapter 937: My Tummy Hurts

“Mommy, did this cup get contaminated?” Archie asked, puzzled. Roxanne, startled by her son’s voice, smiled reassuringly. “No, something must have fallen in it. I’ll get you another cup of water.”

She stroked his head, then tossed the water and refilled the cup. Archie refused to drink, however. Whether something had fallen in or the water was simply off, the boy was clearly upset.

Roxanne didn’t pressure him, instead offering a bottle of mineral water from her bag. Only then did Archie drink. Meanwhile, Benny and Estella had already finished their water, their eyes fixed on the pebbles Estella had arranged on the ground.

Roxanne, without interrupting them, instructed Archie, “Take care of Benny and Estella. I’ll go pick some medicinal herbs.” It was still early, and she wanted to gather herbs while there was daylight.

Archie nodded. After watching his mother leave, he squatted beside the children, observing the pebbles. Suddenly, Estella furrowed her brow, clutched her stomach, and groaned.

A hint of worry flickered in Archie’s eyes. “What’s wrong? Are you tired?” Estella looked delicate; it wasn’t surprising if she was exhausted. She shook her head, her frown deepening. “My tummy hurts…”

Archie’s worry intensified. “I’ll go get Mommy!” he declared. It doesn't matter if something happens to Benny or me, but Essie’s so weak and delicate. If she gets sick, I wouldn’t know what to do.

He rose, about to search for his mother, when Estella tugged on his pants. He bent down, puzzled.

“I must have laughed too hard earlier,” she said, enduring the pain and forcing a smile to avoid worrying Roxanne.

Archie remained unconvinced. She seems to be in extreme pain…

“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine in a bit,” she reassured him, determined not to spoil everyone’s mood. Archie considered this before resuming his squatting position.

At that moment, Benny experienced the same symptoms. He, too, developed a stomachache, attributing it to a cold and enduring the pain silently. Hearing Estella’s complaint, he looked at her with concern, but the pain intensified quickly.

Just as he was about to tell his brother, he noticed water stains near Estella’s feet. Looking up, he saw that she was crying.

“What’s wrong, Essie?” Concerned, Benny leaned toward her, despite his own discomfort.

Estella couldn’t hold back her tears. “My tummy hurts so much…” she sobbed. “It’s all my fault. Ms. Jarvis, Archie, and you could have enjoyed the day, but I’m in so much pain.”

Benny wanted to comfort her, but a sharp pain stopped him. Seeing both children collapse, Archie frantically ran to them, his voice filled with panic. “Benny, Essie!”