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.

eat. Watching TV for

ignored us

finally walked up and turned the TV

“I don’t want to eat!

Look how thin you are! You need food to grow tall and strong!” I admonished him sternly.

want to watch cartoons, turn it back on!”

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

and I rushed to soothe the trio, eventually putting them to bed

was still throwing a fit, acting as if the world would end if he didn’t

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

But instead of looking scared, he looked defiant. “Good, call my mommy. She won’t make me eat. I can drink

knew Hiram had a sensitive

let you watch TV after the meal?”

don’t want to eat; the food is yucky!” Hiram refused and began to cry again, “I

of this, I was drained. I tried calling Neil for advice, but he didn’t answer, even

be Mitch, I peeked through the peephole and was

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

Karina asked, her tone fraught with displeasure. She barged into the living room without waiting for my

Hiram immediately jumped up from the floor, his

into the living room, intending to explain about Hiram refusing to eat, but she had already