The little cat you’ve drawn is so adorable. Could you draw one for me too?
Nathaniel felt a sudden rush of nerves and blurted out the request before he could stop himself. Regret washed over him instantly.
His mouth had a mind of its own.
Sure enough, Mila gave him a blank look and politely declined, That’s something kids like. It’s not really my thing.
Nathaniel was left speechless.
Thankfully, he wasn’t one to get embarrassed easily. He chuckled, turning away to set the table with the food and utensils he had bought.
Let’s eat, he said cheerfully.
Mila hesitated for a moment but eventually murmured, Thank you.
Nathaniel quickly replied, It’s the least I could do.
Mila had been helping him take care of his little nephew these past days. Although he’d tried to repay her kindness with gifts and meals, Mila had only accepted some of them. She had always turned down his invitations to dine out, citing the inconvenience of leaving the hospital.
This was the first time they were actually sitting down to a meal together.
The atmosphere at the table was a bit awkward. Nathaniel tried to start a conversation several times, but Mila was engrossed in talking to Julian, serving him food and whispering to him. Nathaniel found himself unable to join in and eventually gave up.
As he watched the interaction between Mila and Julian, he couldn’t help but feel like an outsider. They seemed more like a family than he did with them.
Nathaniel’s gaze lingered on Julian, who was serving food to Mila. A pang of jealousy struck him—his own nephew was more attentive to Mila than to him!
Despite his feelings, Nathaniel picked up a piece of fish and placed it on Julian’s plate.
Mila immediately intervened, This fish has bones, it’s not safe to eat it like that. She meticulously removed the bones before placing the fish back on Julian’s plate.
Julian munched happily on the fish, his mouth glossy with oil, Thanks, Mom.
Nathaniel was left speechless. Clearly, he’d been too rough around the edges.
After the meal, Nathaniel knew he couldn’t stay in the hospital room, so he promised to return the next morning and gathered his things to leave.
Julian nodded, Of course. You’re my only friend.
Adrian felt a surge of pride. For once, he was nicer to Julian, even including him in their playtime.
Julian was overjoyed, and when Nathaniel came to pick him up after school, he was practically skipping.
Nathaniel couldn’t quite figure out the reason for his nephew’s sudden happiness.
…
Lysander came to pick up Adrian, noticing the paper bag in his son’s hand. He casually asked, What’s that?
Adrian swung the bag excitedly, Julian gave it to me. It’s got a really pretty cat on it.
He even took it out to show his father.
Lysander glanced at it, his brows furrowing slightly. Why did that candle look so familiar?