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."

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

care. Stella remembered the nights spent at his bedside, her heart fracturing with each labored breath

could to help, like learning holistic health, different therapies,

but despite the disappointments with

touch was gentle and warm,

resist and gave him a reassuring

mind, leading him back to

was catching her breath with a drink, having finished singing. When Stella returned, she waved, "Hey, Star! Back so soon? Come on,

light at the entrance was dim, and Abby could only see the outline of a child

bumped into him in the hallway. He

in, Abby got a better look at the boy. "Wow! What a cute little guy! He's

reaching out as if to pinch the boy's cheek.

"He's

let it go. I don't think he