Chapter 301

In the evening, Sienna bathed Joyce and laid her on the bed, gently drying her hair with a soft towel. Just as she finished, Tara entered with some medicine. “Joyer, it’s time for your medicine.”

Joyce pouted and snuggled into her mother. “Mommy, medicine doesn’t taste good.”

No one likes taking medicine, especially little Joyce. During her first diagnosis, Sienna had often devised fun ways to get her daughter to take it. Over time, Joyce learned to comply without fuss. Sienna felt a warm glow, realizing her daughter simply needed reassurance.

“The medicine may not taste great, but it’s really good for you,” Sienna said gently, tapping Joyce’s nose. “It protects you, sweetheart, and helps you feel better. Haven’t you noticed you’ve been a bit more comfortable lately?”

“Yes,” Joyce nodded, her big eyes blinking.

Sienna pointed to Joyce’s mouth. “Let’s open the tunnel and let the medicine in to help you. Okay?”

“Okay!” Joyce opened her mouth wide, declaring, “The tunnel is open!”

Sienna quickly administered the medicine. Joyce gulped down some water and said, “Mommy, check!”

“Wow,” Sienna cradled her daughter’s face, seriously examining her teeth. “Your teeth are so beautiful!”

Joyce blinked, a little confused by the sudden compliment. She wrapped her arms around Sienna’s neck. “Because I’m your baby!”

Sienna laughed, hugging and gently swaying her daughter. Joyce was a delightful little flatterer.

Since it was Joyce’s first night on the new medication, Sienna remained alert, checking periodically to see if her daughter was uncomfortable. Gradually, she noticed Joyce felt warm. Joyce kept her eyes closed, murmuring softly, unable to find a comfortable position.

Sienna lifted Joyce into her arms and patted her back. “Are you feeling unwell? Don’t cry; Mommy is here!”

Joyce didn’t wake, resting drowsily against her mother’s shoulder as her murmurs faded. Sienna’s phone lit up; a message from Josiah: “[Did I wake you? I wanted to check on Joyce. Is she alright after taking the medicine? If she’s feeling unwell, let me know anytime.]”

Not wanting to disturb Joyce, Sienna held her close while replying: “She has a slight fever and isn’t sleeping well. I need to hold her close. No other concerns for now.”

Josiah, his brow furrowed, realized Joyce was experiencing side effects. “[Is her fever high?]”

Sienna replied, “(No, just slightly.)”

Josiah held his phone, unsure how to respond. He knew Sienna and Joyce were struggling, and Sienna was working tirelessly. He wished he could help but knew she wouldn’t accept it.

Sienna put down her phone and took Joyce to the kitchen. She retrieved an ice pack from the refrigerator and applied it to Joyce’s forehead, changing it periodically. Joyce felt a bit better, resting against her mother and showing fewer signs of discomfort. Sienna tried to lay her down, but Joyce cried as soon as she touched the bed. Sienna quickly picked her up. “Don’t cry, Mommy is holding you.”

Held by Sienna, Joyce calmed down. Unable to put her down, Sienna continued to hold Joyce and leaned against the headboard for a brief rest in the early morning hours.

As dawn approached, Sienna felt Joyce’s forehead; she was no longer warm and seemed to be sleeping soundly. Sienna carefully laid her down, and Joyce remained asleep.

With a sigh of relief, Sienna seized the chance to close her eyes for a moment of rest. Just as she was about to fall asleep, her phone rang. It was Josiah: “[I’ve been in touch with Xenon. Please bring Joyce in today. Tell Xenon about last night’s events so he can ease our worries.]”

Sienna replied, “[Alright.]”

Josiah: “[How did you manage last night! Did you rest well?]”

Sienna paused before putting down her phone without replying. Josiah waited silently for a response. A bitter smile touched her lips; she no longer felt the need to pretend.

After daybreak, Sienna returned to the hospital with Joyce. After a checkup, Tara took Joyce outside to play. Only after Joyce left did Josiah approach.

Xenon motioned for them to calm down. “It’s normal to feel some discomfort after changing medication initially. Being cautious is wise.” Sienna felt relieved. “Is there anything that needs to be done?”

“Not at this time,” Xenon shook his head. “If conditions worsen, like a high fever, a low fever lasting a week, or gastrointestinal symptoms, come to me.”

Sienna nodded, relief evident. “Thank you, Xenon.”

“You’re welcome.”

As they left, Sienna said, “I’ll go get Joyce; you can handle your matters.”

Josiah, noticing the dark circles under her eyes, swallowed hard. “Sienna, you’ve been through a lot.”

Sienna understood. “It’s nothing really. Taking care of my own child is simply what a mom should do.” She smiled faintly. “Joyce is waiting for me, so I’ll head out now.”

“Alright.” Josiah watched her go, his gaze deepening. He murmured, “What a mom should do…” He thought, “What about me, as a dad? I haven’t cared for Joyce even for a single day! What can I do? I long to see my daughter every day, to care for her and her mother… but how can I earn that right?”

In the garden, Sienna found Joyce, cheerful despite the previous night’s low fever. Her cheeks flushed as she ran across the grass. “Mommy! Can you make cheesy sweet potatoes for me today? I want to bring some for Seth!”

“Sure.”

During the car ride back, Joyce chatted incessantly. Tara offered her water. Joyce leaped into Tara’s embrace just as Sienna’s phone rang—Derek.

Startled, Sienna answered, “Hello, Derek.”

“Sienna, have you changed your mind? Am I doomed?”

“No,” Sienna apologized profusely. “I’m so sorry, Derek. Things came up at home.”

“Will you come over now?”

“Is it alright for me to come over now?”

“Of course!”