SWNOVELS Chapter Resumption 277
COMMENT
SEND GIFT Chapter
277
Valeria had initially been the one most overwhelmed with grief, but now she offered solace to Mrs. Maddox.
She couldn't muster the word "mom" yet, but she could feel the genuine sorrow etched in Mrs. Maddox's heart.
No one had much of an appetite during that dinner. As they were preparing to leave, Clayton and Loretta went upstairs to check on the peacefully sleeping Alex. Their eyes were red, and they refrained from crying, fearing to disturb Alex. Hackett stood by the bed, gazing at his sleeping son. His long fingers gently caressed the soft cheeks of Alex, his lips pressed tightly together, and he closed his eyes, suppressing the pain and torment in his heart.
Downstairs, Hackett arranged for Tyler to come over and drive Clayton and Mrs. Maddox back home.
Hackett and Valeria stood together in the quiet, moonlit night. Their silence speaks volumes about the turmoil in their
hearts.
Eventually, it was Hackett who broke the stillness, saying, Til arrange for another hospital visit tomorrow to get a second opinion. There's a chance it could be a misdiagnosis."
Valeria's smile held a touch of bitterness, "Alex is already displaying symptoms. We can't afford to waste any more time on tests. Please find time to complete the compatibility test as soon as possible. I don't want Alex to endure a long wait" Once again, a profound silence descended upon them.
After a while. Hackett spoke again. "I'll go for the compatibility test tomorrow. Let's keep this from Alex for now,"
I understand. I hadn't planned on telling him, and even if we did, he might not fully grasp the situation."
"TII set aside my current commitments for the time being. Right now, there's nothing more important than being there for Alex. Hackett affirmed.
Valeria appeared momentarily surprised, "Aren't you also concemed about reclaiming your Grandpa's shares? Your matters still require attention; this isn't just about your endeavor but also for Alex."
Hackett fell into contemplative silence.
But now, he had little inclination for work. Thoughts of his son entirely consumed his mind.
In the early hours of the following day, the Maddox family rallied all their relatives and friends to undergo compatibility
Tests.
On the other side, Hackett also rallied numerous relatives from the James family for the compatibility tests. As for Mandy in the nursing home and his estranged aunt's family, with whom he was currently at odds, he chose not to involve them. In the hospital, both families gathered for the crucial matching process, holding onto hope for a successful match that could save Alex
Clayton couldn't spot Mandy and inquired, "Why didn't you invite Mandy to join us? Currently, in the James family, only you and Mandy remain direct relatives, and the doctors emphasize the high success rate for direct relatives."
"I'm aware of that, but considering Mandy's erratic behavior, even if she's a match, can she be trusted to cooperate and provide Alex with the needed transplant?"
Moreover, Mandy flatly denied the child's connection to the Jarnes family.
Clayton fell silent, pacing back and forth impatiently, eager for the matching results to be revealed,
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"Mr. Maddox, let's return and await the results. Even though you're anxious, the results won't arrive this quickly, Hackett suggested, turning away slowly.
In the coming days. Hackett continued his ritual of rushing to be with Alex right after work while Valeria temporarily set aside her responsibilities at the law office, prioritizing Alex's recovery, Clayton and Ms. Maddox also made daily visits to see Alex.
The observant, Alex, seemed to sense that something was amiss. He found it odd that the adults were constantly. surrounding him.
"Mommy, why is everyone playing with me every day? Didn't you say that adults have to work?" Alex asked with a quizzical look as he sat at the breakfast table.
While peeling an egg. Valeria paused momentarily before responding, "Well, it's because you're the lovable, and everyone adores you. So, they want to spend time with you. Perhaps they're all taking a break lately"
"Does that mean I'm on vacation, too? My teacher should have mentioned it. Mommy, I haven't been to preschool for days and miss playing with my friends."
Valeria found herself momentarily speechless.
In the current situation, allowing Alex to play with other children was out of the question, as even a minor accident could result in severe bleeding. Valeria had no choice but to keep a vigilant eye on him at home.
But the nature of a three-year-old boy was to be full of energy and eager to explore the world around him. It was challenging to keep him indoors all the time.
In a few days, they would have to tell him he needed to go to the hospital, and Valeria was already dreading how to explain
IL
"Alex," she said, trying to console him, "if you want to play, both Grandpa and Grandma, as well as Daddy and I. can join you and have fun together, alright?"
However, Alex furrowed his brow and responded disappointedly. "No. Mommy, you said kids should go to preschool, and now I've been at home for so many days. My teachers will be wondering where I am."
"Don't worry. I've already spoken to your teacher. She understands that you're taking a little break."
"But why did you take a break, Mommy? I want to play with my friends. Grandpa and Grandma make me drink water, and Daddy always wants to hold me. I want to be with my preschool buddies. Alex had grown restless at home, and despite his previous reluctance to go to preschool, he was now starting to miss his friends there.
Valeria was uncertain how to respond, but at that moment, Hackett returned home without ringing the doorbell, using his fingerprint to unlock the door instead
"Alex, look at what Daddy brought for you. It's your favorite chocolate cake, he announced, holding it in his hands. The sight of the cake immediately captured Alex's attention, and he eagerly took it and moved to a corner to enjoy it.
Valeria felt relieved, knowing she wouldn't have to endure Alex's persistent inquiries about why he couldn't attend preschool.
"What's troubling you?"
"Nothing much. It's just that Alex asked me why we're all staying with him and why he can't go to preschool. I don't know how to explain it to him. Besides, he'll be admitted to the hospital in a few days. I'm trying to figure out how to break that news to him. I can't believe I forgot about the upcoming hospital stay. It's something he won't miss
Valeria's heart sank as she contemplated the inevitable moment when Alex would have to wear a hospital gown, fearing that
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he would inevitably sense something was amiss.
"Let me handle it when the time comes. Don't worry. The compatibility test results will be out tonight at the earliest or by tomorrow at the latest. Let's hope we have some matches among them, Hackett reassured her..
She nodded, silently praying for successful matches. With so many people being tested, there had to be at least one compatible donor.
However, destiny had a different script.
None of the tests resulted in a match. It seemed like destiny was playing a cruel joke.
Suddenly, Hackett's phone rang
He removed his coat, his handsome face reflecting hopeful anticipation as he answered the call from the hospital.
Yet, as the news unfolded on the other end, his expression turned somber, and his countenance darkened like an impending
storm.
"Ah, I understand."
After ending the call, Hackett sank into a deep silence on the couch, refusing to utter a single word.
"What's wrong? Who was on the phone?" Valeria sensed that something was amiss.
Hackett didn't attempt to deceive her and responded honestly. It was the hospital. They informed me that none of the natches were successful. They are currently searching the bone marrow registry for a suitable donor." SEND GIFT