Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 432

“Awesome! Can I play video games at your house?” Hiram asked, excitement lighting up his face despite the fresh wound on it.

Ever since his mother, Karina, had been spending more time with Ryan and Faith, she had been stricter with Hiram, not allowing him as much gaming time as before.

So the prospect of playing games at my house was clearly a thrill for him.

I didn’t answer him directly, but merely led him out of the hospital and drove him home.

Throughout the ride, Hiram chattered away with Serena and Brandon. His English was getting more fluent by the day, and for some reason, my two little ones loved listening to him talk.

Once we reached home, I quickly unloaded the stroller and placed Serena and Brandon in it, with Hiram eagerly lending a hand.

“Over there are some toys. Go and have some fun,” I said, pointing to a corner of the living room where I had stashed some toys for Serena and Brandon.

Hiram shook his head. “I don’t want toys, Grandma and Grandpa have bought me lots. Ms. Finch, I want to play video games, or maybe watch some cartoons!”

I had to look after three kids all by myself, and Norah was busy cooking, so I didn’t have time to play games with Hiram. I turned on the TV to a cartoon he liked, then went to change Serena and Brandon’s diapers.

With the cartoon playing, Hiram was quite well-behaved. He would even tease the three babies from time to time, creating a harmonious atmosphere. It was not until mealtime that I noticed a problem.

“Hiram, turn off the TV. It’s time to eat,” I called, scooping a small bowl of food for him.

But Hiram didn’t budge, completely engrossed in the cartoon.

for too long

us both.

walked up and turned

started throwing a tantrum. “I don’t want to eat! I want to

are! You need food to grow tall and strong!” I admonished

even without eating! I want to watch cartoons, turn it back on!” Hiram started crying and threw himself on the

give in to a child’s whims. I ignored him and went to have my meal, hoping he would calm down when he realized no one was paying him

joining him. The living room was filled with the sound of

soothe the trio, eventually putting them to bed in the bedroom to

loss. He was still throwing a fit, acting as if the world would end

to get up?” I finally threatened to call his mother, “If

stopped crying. But instead of looking scared, he looked defiant. “Good,

a sensitive stomach. Why would she allow him to skip meals and drink

let you watch TV after the

began to cry again, “I want mommy. I don’t want to eat.

was drained. I tried calling Neil

be Mitch, I peeked through the peephole and was

looked upset. I didn’t want to let her in, but I

where’s my son?” Karina asked, her tone fraught with displeasure. She barged into the living room without waiting for

from the floor, his face

eat, but she had already pulled Hiram into her arms, inspecting his face with worry. “Hiram, what happened