Chapter 138

“Rachel, you won’t believe how terrifying your mom was yesterday,” Rachel said, her voice still carrying a hint of disbelief. “When you had that allergic reaction, there was a doctor right there, ready to help. But your mom stopped him, insisting on using your inhaler.”

“Inhaler?” Keen asked, puzzled. “I didn’t even have it with me.”

Rachel nodded, her expression filled with guilt. “But your mom wouldn’t listen. She was determined to find it…” Her eyes welled up with tears as she looked at Keen apologetically. “I’m so sorry, Keen. That inhaler got accidentally knocked over and broke… If your mom finds out, she’ll probably be so mad at me. She might not even let me see you anymore.”

Keen offered a reassuring smile. “She doesn’t need to know. Rachel, it’s okay. I won’t tell her.”

Rachel’s tears turned into a relieved smile. “Good, this is our little secret, okay?”

Keen’s eyes widened. Just us? Even Dad can’t know? He chewed his lip. Dad had his own “forbidden foods” list – if he found out Rachel was sneaking him treats, the fun would end. Maybe some secrets were worth keeping.

Keen nodded, “Okay.”

Rachel extended her pinky finger, “Then let’s make a pinky promise. Whoever tells is a little rascal.”

Keen wrapped his own pinky around hers, “Whoever tells is a little rascal.”

After sealing their promise, Keen couldn’t shake off his curiosity. “Rachel, what did you mean when you said my mom didn’t let the doctor help me? What happened?”

He needed to know.

Rachel hesitated, looking like she was torn about telling him, “Keen, do you really want to know?”

With a serious look, Keen nodded, “Yeah, I really do.”

Rachel seemed conflicted, “Maybe it’s better if I don’t say anything… It’s all in the past now.”

The more Rachel hesitated, the more Keen wanted to know.

“Rachel, please, what happened? Tell me!”

Rachel glanced towards the door, a silent signal that Keen understood.

“Rachel, don’t worry. I won’t tell Morn or Dad.”

With a sigh, as if giving in, Rachel agreed. “Alright?”

She pulled out her phone and played a carefully edited video for Keen. It was clipped to show only the moments where Stella was stopping the doctor from helping. The video was short, just a minute long, but by the end of it, Keen’s eyes were red with emotion.

Rachel leaned in, her voice syrup-sweet with fake concern. “Keen, sweetheart. I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but—” A dramatic sigh. “Your mom’s been awfully close with Marvin, that bully, lately. And your dad… well, he’s not happy. Do you think… she doesn’t want you anymore and is treating Marvin like her own son?”

“Bad mom!” Keen shouted, tears brimming his eyes.

He said defiantly, “If she doesn’t want me, then I don’t want her either!”

Rachel watched Keen’s anger with a subtle, satisfied smile.

Outside the hospital, Haynes finally managed to stop Stella, his voice barely containing his frustration.

“Stella, how long is this going to go on?”

Stella halted, turning to face him with a weary look.

“Haynes, don’t tell me you still think I’m just playing games at this point.”