The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 28

Now, the boy looked up at her, his eyes wide pools of innocence, and declared with childish voice, "You bumped into me, so you have to take responsibility."

Stella examined the little boy with concern. "Do you want me to take you to the hospital?"

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly.

"Should we call your parents first?" Stella asked gently.

This time, the boy shook his head vigorously with an unmistakable look of defiance.

Stella's brow furrowed. Was this child avoiding his parents because of something troubling at home? Perhaps he was being mistreated.

Either way, a hospital visit seemed wise. She would have to alert the authorities if there were any serious injuries.

With these thoughts in mind, Stella spoke softly, "Alright, let me have a quick word with my friend, and then we'll head to the hospital."

boy's hand in hers, noting how cold it felt, much like her son Keen's

be cured overnight but required ongoing care. Stella remembered the nights spent at his bedside, her heart fracturing with each labored breath he took, each cry that medicine

she did everything she could to help, like learning holistic health, different therapies, and concocting homemade

maternal instincts, but despite the disappointments with Keen, her heart ached for

hand. Her touch was gentle and warm,

resist and gave him a reassuring smile.

mind, leading him back to

having finished singing. When Stella returned, she waved, "Hey, Star! Back so soon? Come

dim, and Abby could only see the outline of a child with

into him in the hallway. He seems

at the boy.

if to pinch the boy's cheek.

then chuckled, "He's quite

don't think he likes being touched