His Knees, His Pleas, But Our Son's in Peace

Chapter 55

"Carlos, it's Cyrus," I blurted out, trying to keep my voice from shaking. "He's had an allergic reaction at the kindergarten, and they say he's running a fever."

There was a brief pause before Carlos's voice returned, firm and reassuring. "I'll be there soon. Don't worry, Doris. We'll get him through this."

His calm demeanor gave me something to cling to, a thread of stability in the chaos of my mind. I took a breath and nodded, though he couldn't see me, then hung up and rushed to my car.

The drive felt like it took forever, even though I barely registered the streets as they passed by. My thoughts raced, anxiety gnawing at me as I imagined Cyrus, small and sick, lying in that infirmary. The images flashed in my mind, unrelenting, and it took everything in me to stay focused on the road.

By the time I arrived at the kindergarten, I was practically running. My heart was, pounding as I burst through the doors of the infirmary. The sight of Cyrus lying on the small bed hit me harder than I had expected. His face was pale, covered in red lumps, and a cooling patch sat on his forehead. His ears and tail were missing, which only happened when he was truly unwell.

"Cyrus," I whispered, rushing to his side. My hands shook as I brushed a lock of hair from his forehead, and his eyes fluttered open at my touch.

"Mama," he murmured, his voice weak but somehow still trying to be reassuring.

The sight of him like this broke me. I felt my throat tighten as I held back tears, trying to be strong for him. "I'm here, baby You're going to be okay," I said softly, though I wasn't entirely sure of it myself. The panic that had taken root in my chest was hard to push away. He gave me a weak smile, his hand reaching for mine, gripping it with what little

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Pleas, But Our Sorf's in

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Chapter 55

had. "I won't leave you, Mama," he said in a

like my brother."

memory of his brother, the son I

blinked, willing away the tears that threatened

how scared

1. me.

my voice

to you. I promise."

He crossed the room swiftly, his face composed but full of concern. Kneeling down beside Cyrus's

moving over Cyrus with the practiced skill of someone who had done this a hundred times before. He checked the

up after a few hours. He just needs rest." The weight

Carlos wasn't done. His face darkened as he turned toward Ms. Hayley, who was standing by the door, pale and clearly shaken. "How did this happen?" he asked, his voice low and controlled. "All his allergens were supposed to be registered."

Chapter 55

could have happened."