Chapter 301
In the evening. Sienna bathed Joyce and laid her on the bed, gently drying her hair with a soft towel. Just as she was finishing up. Tara with some medicine. “Joyer, it’s time for your medicine.”
Joyce pouted and snuggled up to her mom. “Mommy, medicine doesn’t taste good”
a walked in
No one likes taking medicine, especially little Joyce, During the first diagnosis, Sienna often had to think hard about fun ways to get her daughter to take it
Over time, Joyce learned to take her medicine withod fass Sienna felt a warm glow in her heart, realizing her daughter was just looking for some
“The medicine may not taste great, but it’s really good for you, Sienna said gently, tapping Joyce’s little nose. “It protects you, sweetheart, and helps. you feel bener. Haven’t you noticed you’ve been a bit more comfortable lately?”
“Yes Joyce nodded, her big eyes blinking,
Sienna pointed to Joyce’s mouth. “Let’s open the tunnel and let the medicine in to help you. okay?”
“Okay!” Joyce opened her mouth wide, declaring. The tunnel is open!”
“Here we go. Sienna quickly put the medicine in Joyce’s mouth.
Joyce gulped the water down and said. “Mommy, check!”
“Wow “Sienna cradled her daughter’s face and seriously looked at her teeth. “Your teeth are so beautiful!”
Joyce blinked her pretty eyes, a bit confused. She wondered why Sienna was suddenly giving compliments. Joyce wrapped her arms around Sienna’s neck. “Because I’m your baby!”
Sienna laughed, hugging her daughter and gendy swaying her. Joyce was truly a delightful little flatterer.
Since it was Joyce’s first night on a new medication, Sienna stayed alert, checking now and then to see if her daughter was uncomfortable. Gradually, she noticed that Joyce felt a bit warm.
Joyce kept her eyes closed, murmuring softly, unable to find a comfortable position to rest.
Sienna go up, lifted Joyce into her arms, and softly patted her back. “Are you feeling unwell? Don’t cry; Mommy is here!
Joyce didn’t wake up, resting drowsily against her mom’s shoulder as her murmurs faded.
Sienna’s phone on the nightstand lit up. It was a message from Josiah. [Did I wake you? I wanted to check on Joyce. Is she alright after taking the medicine? If she’s feeling unwell, let me know anytime.]
Not wanting to disturb Joyce, Sienna held her close with one arm while replying. She has a slight fever and isn’t sleeping well. I need to hold her close. No other concerns for now
Josiah held his phone, his brow wrinkled. He realized Joyce was having side effects from the medicine. [Is her fever high‘]
Sienna (No, just slightly.)
Josiah kept holding his phone, unsure of how to reply for a long time. It was clear that Sienna and Joyce were struggling with Joyce feeling unwell. Sienna was working hard to take care of her.
He wished he could help Sienna, but he knew she wouldn’t accept it. Sienna laid her phone down and took Joyce to the kitchen. She got a ice pack from the fridge and placed in on Joyce’s forehead, changing in periodically.
medical
Joyce felt a bit better, resting against her mom and making fewer signs of discomfort. Sienna tried to lay her down, but as soon as Joyce touched the bed, Joyce began to cry. Sienna quickly picked her up. “Don’t cry, Mommy is holding you.”
Being held by Siena, Joyce calmed down again. Upable to set her down, Sienna continued to hold Joyce and leaned back against the headboard for a moment of rest in the early morning hours.
As dawn came near, Sienna felt Joyce’s forehead; she was no longer warm and seemed to be sleeping soundly. Sienna carefully laid her down, and Joyce didn’t wake up.
1/3
7:26 AM
Chapter 301
With a sigh of relief, Sienna seized the chance to close her eyes fa It was another message from Josiah.
eyes for a brief
of moment of rest. Just as she was about to fall asleep, her phone rang again.
Josiah [I’ve been in touch with Xenon. Please bring Joyce in today. Tell Xenon about last night’s events so he can ease our worries.]
Sienna: Alright.]
Josiah: [How did you manage last night! Did you rest well?]
Sienna paused for two seconds before putting her phone down without replying. Meanwhile, Josiah held his phone, waiting silently for her
response.
A bitter smile crept onto her lips: Sienna no longer felt the need to pretend in front of him. She couldn’t even pretend to appreciate his concern.
After daybreak, at the same time as the day before, Sienna went back to the hospital with Joyce in her arms. After the check–up, Tara took Joyce outside to play, and only after Joyce had left did Josiah dare to approach.
Xenon motioned for them to calm down. “It’s normal to feel some discomfort after changing medication in the beginning. Being cautious is wise.” Sienna felt a small weight lift off her shoulders. “Is there anything that needs to be done?”
“Not at this time,” Xenon shook his head. “If conditions worsen, like if she has a high fever, or if a low fever lasts for a week, or if there are gastrointestinal symptoms, come to me.”
Sienna nodded, a hint of relief on her face. Thank you, Xenon
“You’re welcome.”
As they exited the consultation room, Sienna looked at Josiah. “I’ll go get Joyce; you can handle your matters.”
Josiah didn’t respond, staring at the dark circles under her eyes and knowing she hadn’t slept well all night. He swallowed hard. “Sienna, you’ve been through a lo
Sienna paused, understanding what he meant. “It’s nothing really. Taking care of my own child is simply what a mom should do.” With a faint smile, she added. “Joyce is waiting for me, so I’ll head out now.
“Alright.” Josiah stayed where he was, watching her walk away, his gaze deepening. He murmured to himself, “What a mom should do…
He thought. “What about me, as a dad! I haven’t cared for Joyce even for a single day! What can I do? I long to see my daughter every day, to care for her and her mother…. but how can I earn that right
In the garden, Sienna found Joyce. Joyce had struggled with a low fever all night but now looked cheerful, her cheeks flushed as she ran across the grass “Mommy! Can you make cheesy sweet potators for me today? I want to bring some for Seth!”
“Sure.”
During the car ride back to Sunshine Neighborhood, Joyce chatted non–stop. Tara held a water bottle and offered, “Are you thirsty, little darling!
Drink some water.”
“Water!” Jo
Joyce leaped into Tara’s embrace, just as Sienna’s phone rang–Derek was calling
Startled, Sienna hurriedly answered, “Hello, Derek.”
“Sienna, have you changed your mind! Am I doomed?”
“No.” Sienna apologized profusely. I’m so sorry, Derek. Things came up at home.”
“Will you come over now!”
“Is it alright for me to come over now!”
“Of course!”
