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Novel Catalog
Chapter 54
Despite the boys’ clear affection for the toy cars, their well-mannered upbringing made them hesitate. They shook their heads gently, aware of how costly the figurines likely were. “We can’t accept these. They’re too expensive,” Benny said quietly.
Estella’s brow furrowed in confusion, and after a moment, she set the cars beside them, scribbling something in her notebook again. For you. Thank. Help.
Benny squinted at the words, his mind working to understand her intentions. She can’t write full sentences. What is she trying to say?
Archie was equally puzzled at first, but soon, realization sparked in his eyes. “Are you trying to thank us for helping you that day?” he asked, his voice softening.
Estella’s face lit up with a big, grateful nod, and she picked the cars up again, holding them out eagerly, as though she wouldn’t take no for an answer.
Roxanne recalled the teacher’s words about how Archie and Benny had protected Estella in kindergarten. What could have happened between children? The thought nagged at her. But seeing how seriously Estella took the boys’ actions, she couldn’t help but think that whatever happened had meant a lot to her.
“What happened that day?” Roxanne asked, her curiosity piqued.
Archie glanced at Benny before answering. “Essie got hurt after another student pushed her. Benny and I made that student apologize, and then we took Essie to the school nurse.”
Roxanne’s heart softened as she absorbed the story, and she nodded in understanding. The boys’ protective instincts had been triggered, and it had clearly meant the world to Estella.
“Can we accept these gifts, Mommy?” Archie asked gently, seeing the way Estella’s eyes sparkled with hope, her tiny hands still holding out the cars.
Roxanne smiled, her voice warm with affection. “Okay, but you need to give her something in return, too.”
Finally, the boys took the cars from Estella, their faces lighting up with gratitude. “Thanks, Essie! Wait right here, okay? We’ll find something for you, too!”
With that, they dashed upstairs, eager to find their own tokens of appreciation.
Now, it was just Roxanne and Estella in the living room. The little girl sat quietly, still holding her gift, her eyes following Roxanne with an expression of trust.
Roxanne couldn’t help but notice how obedient Estella was, but it stirred a feeling of concern within her. “Does your hand still hurt?” she asked, her voice gentle.
Estella looked at her, then slowly walked over to Roxanne, raising her hand to show the bruise from that morning. The faint purple mark stood out on her pale skin, tugging at Roxanne’s heart.
Roxanne’s worry deepened when she noticed how tenderly Estella held her hand, clearly uncomfortable. After a careful inspection, she felt a sense of relief—there were no internal injuries, just a superficial bruise. But still, her heart ached. “Did you use any ointment?” she asked softly.
Estella stilled for a moment before shaking her head, her large eyes meeting Roxanne’s with an almost innocent look. She hadn’t received any treatment for the bruise, something that struck Roxanne deeply.
There’s no way Lucian missed something so obvious, but he didn’t give her any ointment? Roxanne thought bitterly, feeling the frustration build up. How could a father let his child suffer like this?
As her mind briefly spiraled over Lucian’s negligence, Estella stood before her, gazing up at her with quiet hope.
Roxanne snapped back to the present, noticing the girl’s expectant eyes. If I tell her I haven’t had ointment, will she help me?
Seeing the quiet plea in Estella’s gaze, Roxanne smiled softly, her heart melting. “Wait here,” she said gently. “I’ll be right back with a medical kit.”
Estella nodded enthusiastically, her eyes brightening as she watched Roxanne hurry off. When Roxanne returned, the little girl’s excitement was palpable, her eyes shining with anticipation.
With practiced hands, Roxanne carefully cleaned the bruise and applied some ointment. As a doctor, she was naturally gentle, but even more so with this child who had already endured so much.
“Does it hurt?” Roxanne asked, her voice filled with concern as she continued to tend to the girl’s hand.
Estella shook her head, mesmerized by Roxanne’s care. Her gaze dropped to her hand as Roxanne worked, the girl’s thoughts drifting happily. Ms. Jarvis’ hands are so pretty. And she’s so much gentler than Daddy. I don’t feel any pain at all.
As Roxanne finished treating the bruise, Estella smiled up at her, her heart swelling with affection. I like her even more now.
