Eric required no verbal confirmation and turned to Dr. Nixon with urgency. “Please examine her.”
“Certainly. Follow me,” Dr. Nixon said. “My students prepared examination protocols during our drive. Testing begins immediately.”
“Excellent.”
Crisis demanded absolute focus on critical priorities.
Following comprehensive testing, Dr. Nixon arrived at his diagnosis.
Facing Eric and Hadley, he gestured reassuringly. “Relax. Joy will recover. This mild fever stems from simple indigestion.”
Relief flooded their expressions as Eric’s and Hadley’s eyes met.
Eric demanded confirmation. “You’re certain this isn’t one of the rejection reactions?”
His right hand found Hadley’s left, fingers intertwining naturally as he spoke. Anxiety consumed Hadley’s attention entirely, her focus locked on Dr. Nixon’s every word, oblivious to their physical connection. She stayed willingly within his protective hold.
“Absolutely.” Dr. Nixon’s solemn nod reinforced his certainty. “Rejection reactions manifest far more severely than a simple fever.”
Beneath the examination table, Eric’s and Hadley’s grip tightened, fingers weaving together seamlessly.
“Excessive worry serves no purpose,” Dr. Nixon counseled gently. “Children Joy’s age frequently experience minor digestive upsets. Given her condition, we’ll skip medication entirely. Probiotics and resting her stomach should fully restore her health. Also, regular yogurt can support healthy digestion.”
As she absorbed every medical detail, overwhelming relief washed through Hadley. Her head bobbed eagerly. “Yes, I’ll remember everything. I’ll be extra vigilant.”
“Thank you, Dr. Nixon.” Eric rose gracefully, his gratitude genuine and warm.
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“You’re most welcome. I’m simply fulfilling my professional obligations.”
From the examination room, Melba emerged with Joy nestled securely in her arms. “Joy!”
Hadley rushed to her feet but met unexpected resistance. Her gaze dropped to discover her hand still firmly entwined with Eric’s. Panic seized her instantly; she jerked away as though burned, crimson flooding her cheeks. Despite her relative youth, had her mental faculties already begun to fail? What embarrassing behavior had she displayed?
She fled Eric’s penetrating stare, rushing forward with outstretched arms. “Joy, come to Mommy immediately.”
“Allow me to carry her.” Eric followed closely, positioning himself directly behind her. His arms reached toward Joy while his voice softened tenderly. “Joy, my sweetheart, Daddy is strong enough to protect you. Let Daddy hold you safely, alright?”
Consciousness returned to Joy’s bright eyes. Her wide gaze fixed on Eric, her tiny mouth forming a perfect pout.
Everyone anticipated another rejection, mirroring her previous behavior. Since Eric and Hadley had separated, Joy had withdrawn her affection from him completely.
Instead, she puffed her cheeks with wounded dignity, her voice trembling with heartbreak. “You’re not my daddy anymore, and I’m not your baby. I can’t let you hold me.”
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