Marriage Resumption (Valeria and Hackett)

"What about you? Any plans to make things official with Sherri? She's been patiently waiting for you."

Mentioning Sherri again, a hint of impatience flashed across Keh's face. Lately, he had been feeling cornered by her, and the thought of avoiding her had crossed his mind. "Do I need to formalize things with her? She was the one who led me back then. I didn't abandon her!" He sounded exasperated.

Valeria remained silent, simply raising her coffee cup to her lips for a sip.

Keith suddenly became aware of his lack of composure once again. He swiftly downed the remaining coffee in his cup and said, "I apologize. I let my emotions get the best of me." "It's fine," she replied with a faint smile.

"Valeria, are you truly considering a reconciliation with him?" he asked, his lingering doubts escaping his lips.

Valeria hesitated for a moment, recognizing that it was about Hackett.

Just as she was about to respond, her phone began to ring. She glanced at it and saw that the call was coming from the kindergarten, which made her furrow her brow. Is something wrong with Alex again?

Valeria answered the call, saying, "Hello, Olivia, What's going on?

In the next moment, her expression suddenly changed, and she stood up abruptly. "What! Alright, I'm coming right away. Please take the child to the hospital first."

After hanging up the phone, Valeria grabbed her bag and prepared to leave. "The preschool teacher informed me that Alex had a nosebleed and has been taken to the hospital. I need to go there and check on him." With those words, Valeria was ready to leave, and Keith also rose from his seat. "I'll accompany you. Let me take you

"Okay."

And so, they drove together to the hospital, following the address the teacher had provided.

there?

Valeria couldn't help but silently worry throughout the journey How could Alex suddenly start having nosebleeds? Could it be due to some recent irritation? He had been eating rather bland food lately. "Don't dwell on it too much. Let's see what the doctor says when we arrive, Keith reassured her, sensing her anxiety,

She nodded in agreement and walked into the hospital alongside Keith. There, they found Olivia helping Alex with some medical paperwork.

"Alex!" Valeria called out as soon as she spotted Alex.

Alex had just managed to stop his nosebleed but still looked pale and weak. Upon hearing Valeria's voice, he perked up, letting go of the teacher's hand and running toward her. "Mommy!

"Take it slow. Don't rush," Valeria called out as she walked toward Alex, reminding him to be careful.

Olivia approached with medical paperwork in hand. "Ms. Sharp

"Olivia, what did the doctor pay? Why did Alex suddenly have a osebleed?" Valeria looked visibly anxious.

Keith stood nearby, observing Alex. Ile wanted to pat Alex's head but Alex shied away,

Alex, who used to call him 'Keith and would rush into his arms, now hesitated and avoided him. Had his affection shifted to Hackett? The thought made Keith clench his fists tightly at his sides.

Olivia responded, "Ms. Sharp, I also noticed Alex's nosebleed out of the blue, and we couldn't stop it. So, I brought him to the hospital. We've just completed some tests, but it didn't reveal anything significant. The medical equipment here might not be top-notch. I recommend taking him to another hospital for a more thorough examination. Alex's health is the priority,"

"Alright, thank you, Olivia. You can go ahead with your tasks if you like. I'll take care of Alex."

"Since you're here, it puts my mind at ease. I'll request a two-day leave for Alex to rest well before returning to school."

"Alright."

After Olivia departed, Valeria examined Alex's nose, which still had traces of blood, causing her heart to ache.

Keith suggested, "I have a friend at a private hospital. Why don't we go there for a check-up? As Olivia said, Alex's health is the top priority"

"Can we go now?" Valeria was eager to have Alex examined and find out why he had a nosebleed. "Yes, we can. Let's go. Private hospitals usually have fewer patients, better service, and quicker results. "Mommy, my nose hurts..." Alex nestled against Valeria's shoulder and whimpered softly.

Valeria held Alex close, whispering, "Be a good boy, rest for a while. You'll feel better when you wake up."

""Mommy. I want some milk."

"Of course, Mommy will get you some." Valeria glared at Keith, realizing she had to ask him for help.

Keith offered a reassuring smile. Tll go grab it. You two can wait for me in the car.

Keith turned and headed off, leaving Valeria to carry Alex toward the hospital's exit

"Mommy, why isn't Daddy here? Why is it, Keith?" Alex's eyes held a touch of disappointment. He had hoped to see both Mommy and Daddy together.

Valeria gently patted Alex's back and explained, "Daddy's tied up with work. Mommy crossed paths with Keith on the way, so we decided to catch a ride with him."

"Mommy, I'm okay. You don't have to worry, Alex could sense Valeria's anxiety and offered her comforting words beyond his years

Valeria smiled gently and said, "You're just fine. I have a hunch you might have been sneaking some snacks behind my back these past few days, haven't you?" "No, Ella doesn't let me have any snacks," Alex replied, shaking his head.

"You're such a good boy..."

Though there wasn't any severe harm, Valeria could tell that Alex was a bit off. Usually, he was a bundle of energy, but now he appeared somewhat subdued. Valeria and Keith took Alex to a private hospital for a series of examinations, and they were told it would be several hours

10 INDY 12

before they could expert the results.

88%!

She decided to wait right there in the hospital. Otherwise, going back home would leave her feeling restless and uneasy.

"You both wait here. I'll check if the results are ready. My friend should be keeping an eye on things for us"

"Alright, please extend my gratitude to your friend," Valeria whispered, her voice hushed as she embraced the peacefully sleeping Alex.

Keith smiled and turned, heading toward the doctor's office.

Keith entered the examination room and gently knocked on the door. "Dr. Wilcox, are you available?"

Melvin, who was reviewing the test results, raised his head. 'Come on in already. No need for theatrics.

Keith chuckled and approached, asking. "So, are the test results ready? Is the child okay?"

"Before I spill the beans, what's your connection to that child? Is that child your illegitimate son? I haven't seen you in years. and now you show up with this surprising twist!" Melvin inquired with a hint of gossip in his tone.

"What are you talking about? This child belongs to a friend of mine. We came here because the public hospital was taking too long. So, how are the test results?"

Melvin sighed, appearing somewhat disappointed. "Well... I thought there might be some juicy gossip here. The initial

mination revealed no issues, but we need to run more tests to rule out blood-related illnesses, like leukemia."

Leukemia? Is it that serious?" Keith's expression changed noticeably, feeling that this disease was too distant from him and the people around him.

Melvin reassured him professionally, "Don't worry, it's just a precautionary check to rule things out. So far, we haven't found any problems. However, the child's frequent nosebleeds are a concerning symptom. Getting a checkup will give you peace of mind."