With the necessity of taking Colby to the lab for drips, Nathan managed only a brief two-hour nap before assisting the two children with their morning wash-up.
Afterward, Nathan requested an officer to fetch breakfast from the cafeteria at their workplace.
Patiently, he looked after the two children while they ate their breakfast.
After sipping some soybean milk, Destinee frowned and stuck out her tongue in distaste.
âDaddy, the breakfast here is awful.
Your breakfast is the best!â
Nathan mechanically ate his breakfast, lost in thought.
He paid little attention to the meal and didnât register anything Destinee said.
âDaddy?â
Destinee tilted her head and started to speak loudly to Nathan, but she was interrupted by Colby beside her.
âDonât be picky.
Itâs good that you have something to eat,â Colby interjected.
âDidnât you hear Daddy say last night that he and Mommy have been very busy lately and havenât had time for us? You should behave and not cause trouble for Daddy.
â
âAha⦠Alright.
â
Destinee pursed her lips, picked up the spoon, and obediently began eating, refraining from further complaints about the food.
Nathan had a restless night, leaving him looking haggard with dark circles under his eyes.
Concerned for Nathan, Colby picked up the fried egg from his own plate and offered it to Nathan.
âDaddy, Iâm tired of eggs.
The infusion last night made my tongue bitter.
I just want some water.
Daddy, can you help me with the egg?â
Nathan snapped out of his thoughts and rubbed Colbyâs head gently.
âAre you feeling alright? Are you feeling sick?â
Shaking his head, Colby replied, âIâm okay.
I just feel a bit nauseous from eating too many eggs.
But I donât want to waste food.
Daddy, you eat it.
â
âOkay.
â Nathan smiled softly as he accepted the egg from Colby and took a bite.
After breakfast, Nathan escorted the two children to the lab.
âDestinee, Iâve arranged for a few days off from kindergarten for you.
Can you stay with Colby in the lab during this time?â
Destinee sat quietly in her chair, her nod indicating unwavering resolve.
âOkay.
Iâll take care of Colby.
â
Aldric entered the room, carrying a medical tray adorned with essential drips for Colbyâs care.
Meanwhile, Destinee sat beside the bed, engrossed in a fairy tale book, her presence a reassuring calm in the bustling room.
Standing vigil by the bedside, Nathanâs thoughts wandered once more, lost in contemplation.
Casting a furtive glance at Nathan, Colby spoke with unwavering resolve.
âDaddy, Destinee is here with me.
You have so much to handle at work.
You can go back now.
Iâll take care of myself and Destinee.
I promise I wonât cause any trouble.
â
Though just five years old, Colby displayed remarkable maturity.