Chapter 32: The World Judges by Appearance

If any other child had challenged the nurses' patience like this, they might not have been so accommodating. But Adam's deep, innocent eyes seemed to cast a spell over them. Even when he was stubborn, they found themselves eager to please him. His occasional pout tugged at their heartstrings, and they couldn't help but empathize.

It's true that beauty can sway the world, granting its bearers certain privileges.

Ursula watched with a knowing smile and approached, feigning ignorance, "What's wrong, Adam?"

"Mommy!" Adam's voice was brightened as he saw Ursula. He had feared the night's comfort was just a dream.

Ursula gave him an affectionate look and thanked the nurse, "I apologize for any inconvenience. Could we wait to start the IV until after his breakfast?"

"Of course, that's fine," the nurse replied with a smile.

The nurses, struck by Ursula's striking appearance and curious about the absent father, reluctantly turned their attention to another patient.

That patient, a man in the bed on the side, was visibly annoyed. His IV had finished, and his blood was beginning to backflow. Despite his calls for help, he felt ignored.

These nurses, he thought, were too caught up with those who had good looks.

Ursula, sensing his frustration, offered him some extra breakfast she had brought, extending it with genuine kindness.

The man, taken aback by Ursula's beauty and kindness, declined gently, "No, I've eaten, but thank you."

He couldn't help but acknowledge that beauty did seem to make life easier, even if he resented it.

Ursula, unaware of his thoughts, respected his refusal and turned her attention back to Adam.

Adam ate but was clearly preoccupied. Ursula addressed his concerns, "Are you upset I left without saying goodbye? I promise to let you know next time."

Adam's frown faded as Ursula made silly faces, but he seriously warned, "You can't do that again, Mommy. I get worried when you're not here."

Ursula reassured him she'd be more careful, and Adam's smile returned, his young face lighting up.

After breakfast, Ursula asked the nurse to set up Adam's IV and went to buy him some fruit, instructing him to use the call button if needed while she was out.

"I understand," Adam said, requesting a copy of 'Hamlet' in simplified characters.

Ursula was shocked. "Hamlet" at his age seemed excessive, but Adam insisted he could handle it.

Astonished by his request, Ursula recognized her son's precocious intellect. She had underestimated him, and now she felt a twinge of guilt for missing out on his early years.

With a heavy heart, Ursula went shopping. She bought the book for Adam, along with a water bottle and snacks for their zoo trip, and even picked up a small cake. The thought of birthdays, Adam's shared date with Matthew, stirred a mix of nostalgia and sadness in her. She resolved to make Adam's next birthday special, knowing that Matthew would be well-celebrated by Dylan, and that bittersweet realization sharpened her sense of longing.