Chapter 27
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.”
She took the boy’s hand in hers, noting how cold it felt, much like her son Keen’s hands when he was unwell.
The doctors had said Keen’s condition was congenital, which couldn’t 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
couldn’t soothe.
So, she did everything she could to help, like learning holistic health, different therapies, and concocting homemade remedies.
Maybe it was her maternal instincts, but despite the disappointments with Keen, her heart ached for this little boy.
The boy looked surprised when Stella took his hand. Her touch was gentle and warm, and he instinctively tightened his grip,
following her lead.
Stella noticed the boy didn’t resist and gave him a reassuring smile. But then, he suddenly looked down as if shy.
Stella didn’t mind, leading him back to Abby’s room.
Abby was catching her breath with a drink, having finished singing. When Stella returned, she waved, “Hey, Star! Back so soon?
Come on, let’s toast. Wait, is that Keen with you?”
The light at the entrance was dim, and Abby could only see the outline of a child with Stella, mistaking him for her son.
“No, it’s not Keen,” Stella corrected. “I accidentally bumped into him in the hallway. He seems off, so I’m taking him to the
hospital.”
As they stepped in, Abby got a better look at the boy. “Wow! What a cute little guy! He’s as adorable as your Keen.”
Abby approached, reaching out as if to pinch the boy’s cheek. But he dodged, stepping behind Stella with a sullen expression.
Abby paused, then chuckled, “He’s quite the personality, huh?”
Stella said, “Abby, let it go. I don’t think he likes being touched by strangers.”
Abby shrugged. “What about his parents? Are you sure it’s okay to take him? Wouldn’t want anyone thinking we’re up to no
good, like, kidnapping or something.”
Stella turned to the boy again. “Are you sure you don’t want to call your family…”
Before she could finish, the boy clung to her hand, his grip surprisingly firm, causing Stella discomfort. “No, I don’t want them!”
Stella exchanged a glance with Abby, who sighed, “Alright then, let’s get him checked out.”
They took the boy to the hospital, running a few check-ups. Thankfully, there were no signs of injury or abuse.
Stella felt relieved, though questions lingered in her mind. Why was he so adamant about not contacting his family if there were
no mistreatment?
As the thought crossed her mind, she heard footsteps echoing down the hallway. Suddenly, the door burst open, and a tall,
imposing figure entered the room urgently.