Entering the kitchen, Jarrod paused at the sight of Nicole bustling about. It felt surreal.

He stood motionless until Nicole caught sight of him. She appeared cheerful, her mood uplifting. Noticing Jarrod in his pajamas, she gently suggested, "Go freshen up. Breakfast will be ready shortly."

Jarrod gave a small nod.

After refreshing himself and dressing, Jarrod joined Nicole and Austin at the breakfast table.

The meal was simple but inviting, soy milk, sandwiches and porridge, nourishing and traditionally prepared.

Austin, eyeing the soy milk and sandwiches eagerly, asked in a low voice, “Mommy, can I have some soy milk?"

As Jarrod reached for the ladle to serve Austin, Nicole intervened.

"No, Austin, remember your restrictions?"

Austin knew, yet his desire was palpable. He implored gently, "Just one sip? Please?"

It was the first time he had made such a request, believing a small sip would be harmless.

Seeing his son's yearning, Jarrod interjected, "Let him have just a sip. It should be fine."

“What do you mean, ‘it should be fine'?" Nicole retorted sharply, her gaze piercing. "Do you even grasp the severity of Austin's condition? He cannot have even a sip."

Jarrod's hand halted, the mood at the table chilling instantly.

Austin, feeling the weight of their stares, whispered guiltily, “I won't drink it."

Nicole was firm. "Finish your porridge and your medicinal meal."

Austin bowed his head, eating in silence.

Jarrod set the soy milk in front of himself.

Nicole then questioned him, “Why aren't you drinking it?"

Jarrod remained silent, his eyes shifting between the soy milk and her.

Confused by his look, Nicole reached for the soy milk, intending to drink it herself.