Rena sighed, eyeing Leonel who looked noticeably thinner lately.

He seemed altered somehow.

He stayed mostly silent, whether it was a positive change wasn't clear.

By noon, Daniel stirred awake.

The little boy was still battling a fever. His cheeks flushed and his eyes were weary as he peered at Alexis. Feebly, he asked, “How long was I out?"

Alexis touched his forehead gently. "You've been asleep for hours. Hungry? I've got some soup to perk you up."

Daniel didn't reply.

Tears welled up in his eyes and he whimpered. “Mom, I didn't mean to cause trouble."

His words pierced Alexis deeply.

She leaned in, her voice thick with emotion as she said, “I know, Daniel. Kids your age get sick sometimes. Baby... Don't blame yourself, alright?"

"I... it's because..."

Once brash, Daniel now wanted to confess to Alexis why he had fallen.

Before he could finish, the door swung open.

In walked Leonel, spotting Daniel awake. He approached, ruffling the kid's hair gently. “No more reckless stuff, alright? You need me, just holler."

Seemingly still peeved, Daniel buried his face in the pillow, mute.

“Silly kid," Leonel chided playfully, scooping Daniel up, draping his coat over him.

Ironically, Daniel never liked being carried by others as a tot.

Flushed with embarrassment, he squirmed in Leonel's grasp.

How could he be toted around Like a toddler? How mortifying!

Yet Leonel persisted, murmuring to Daniel, “Your mom's expecting. Let me take care of you."