If you're here to beg me to your place, forget it. My spot's bigger, comfier, and mosquito-free."

Jessie couldn't help but chuckle at Jeslyn's fiery retort.

Albert gently tapped Jeslyn under the blanket. "You were just talking about wanting to see Jessie. She's here, but now you won't see her?"

“I don't want to see her. She said no to being my mom."

Jessie thought Jeslyn was being stubborn. She wondered how Albert had raised her. Logically, Jeslyn was his only kid and would take over the family business someday. But wasn't she a bit too wayward?

Albert read Jeslyn's mind in a flash.

He sat on the bed's edge, explaining, "Miss Green had a spat with her boyfriend, so there's a chance she could still be your mom."

Jeslyn peeked out from under the blanket, thrilled.

But she was also a proud kid, trying to hide her excitement. “Daddy, it sounds like no one wants you. You will have to wait for Miss Green and her boyfriend to have a fight."

Jessie was left speechless.

Albert glanced at Elsie. “Where'd she pick this up? Are these things on TV now?"

Elsie replied calmly. “Isn't that what you've been saying? She hears it, she learns it."

Albert rubbed his nose, "Really? Did I really say that?"

Elsie nodded enthusiastically.

Jessie felt it was time to go. She'd already visited Jeslyn.

Jeslyn started nitpicking, "No gift? Don't people usually bring gifts for patients? I don't have any other requests. I just want to have a bowl of wonton. I haven't had a good meal for several days."

Jessie wanted to argue but Jeslyn was sick.

She patted Jeslyn's head. “I'll go grab some and cook it for you.

Cool?"

Jeslyn reluctantly agreed. "Fine."