Chapter 943: Something Bad Happened

Just as Roxanne was regaining her composure and preparing to leave, painful groans emanated from the backseat. Panic seized her; her limbs trembled uncontrollably. Before she could fully register what was happening, her car was hurtling toward a large tree.

Her mind blanked. Only as impact loomed did she regain her senses, lifting her foot from the gas pedal. It was too late. The car slammed into the tree trunk, shuddering violently. The engine died.

Estella and Benny, already suffering stomach pains, cried out at the jarring impact. Tears streamed down their faces. "Mommy, are you okay?"

Archie, having witnessed the accident, immediately comforted Estella and Benny before anxiously checking on Roxanne. Her hands still shook.

Their sobs and Archie's questions filled her ears, but Roxanne could only stare at the still-trembling tree. It had been so close. Something terrible would have happened if she hadn't reacted in time. She hadn't cared for them properly, and now she couldn't even get them home while they were ill. She had endangered them. Self-reproach overwhelmed her. "Mommy!"

Archie, receiving no answer, panicked. "Let's go, Mommy!"

Regaining control, Roxanne took a deep breath. "I'm okay. Please take care of Benny and Estella." She lowered her gaze and attempted to start the engine. To her dismay, it sputtered and died. Repeated attempts failed. The crash had apparently damaged the engine.

Estella and Benny continued to sob uncontrollably. Roxanne could hear their voices wavering. Her heart ached with theirs. "I'm getting out to take a look," she said, exiting the car to assess the damage.

However, Roxanne knew little about car mechanics. Online searches and examination of the vehicle proved fruitless.

Time slipped away. Dejectedly, she closed the hood and approached the backseat. Archie's heart sank at his mother's despondency, but he opened the door calmly. "Mommy, how are things?"

Estella and Benny's sobs filled the air. Roxanne's eyelashes quivered. The children were already unwell; any sign of panic from her would only terrify them further. Taking a deep breath, she smiled reassuringly.

"There's a problem with the car; it won't start. I'll make a call."

Archie nodded obediently. "I'll take care of Benny and Essie."

Roxanne was touched by his maturity and understanding. "Thank you, darling."

Without Archie, she wouldn't have remained calm. She'd faced perilous situations before, but this was different. The thought of Benny and Estella's suffering had overwhelmed her, shattering her composure.