Tears sprung to my eyes as I read the number on the thermometer. Self-reproach filled me as I blamed myself for not taking care of him properly. "This is all my fault," I thought, "I've let him down. I've failed as a mother."
"We need to get him to the hospital," I told Jaylan in a panic. "We need to go now!"
As I bent over to pick up the child, I collided with Zora, my vision darkened and my body swayed.
Jaylan caught me with one arm, his voice cold. "Let Zora and me handle this. You're in no condition to be of help. You'll only make things worse."
Zora smirked, wrapping Carl in a light blanket before holding him in her arms.
She seemed to be victorious. I stared at her, feeling a wave of resentment.
Jaylan tried to reassure me, "Honey, go rest, everything will be fine. We'll be back soon."
"But I..." I began, stepping forward with worry. But before I could continue, they were already walking away.
I had no choice but to follow, offering advice until they reached the staircase. Watching them rush out, I was filled with a mix of emotions.
This illness was my fault, and yet I was too weak to take care of him myself.
As the front door closed, I retreated back into the room, watching Jaylan's car drive away through the window. I forced a laugh, realizing that in their eyes, I belonged in this room.
Before I could recover from my guilt, my phone buzzed. I absentmindedly opened a file sent by Catherine, and my heart almost stopped.
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