Chapter 35: Matthew's Test

"Mom, you don't need to explain. I get it." Adam's understanding far exceeded his years. He grasped why Ursula had to leave him with Grandma, and he wasn’t holding grudges.

Ursula's fingers gently enclosed Adam's, her eyes betraying her inner turmoil. "One day, when you're older, I'll explain everything." she promised.

Kids have a sixth sense for emotion, and Adam, sensing her sadness, quickly reassured her. "I'm happy when I'm with you, Mommy. Please don't be sad."

"Sad? With the world's best little guy by my side?" Ursula masked her sorrow with gratitude for her son's empathy.

Adam, feeling like a superhero in his mom's eyes, beamed, his innocent smile lighting up his face.

Ursula's spirits lifted with his laughter. "Let's check out the hippos, Adam."

"Yeah!" Adam was keen to stay longer.

They packed up and made their way to the hippo pool, arriving just in time for feeding. Adam craned his neck to see, and just as Ursula was about to brush his hair aside, her phone buzzed.

It was Dylan. "Ursula, where are you? Come hang out with me. I'm bored."

Ursula kept a watchful eye on Adam as she spoke. "Aren't you with Matthew? What happened?"

Dylan grumbled about Matthew ditching him. "I need company, Ursula."

Adam's excitement over the hippo's antics interrupted them. "Mom, look at that!"

Dylan, hearing Adam, asked who was with her.

Ursula, seizing the moment, deflected, "Just babysitting a relative's kid. Can't meet up, sorry."

"Okay, but we're hanging out tomorrow," Dylan insisted, not a fan of kids, and dropped the subject.

Ursula agreed and hung up, comforting Adam, who worried he'd caused a stir. "You did nothing wrong, you're always perfect," she soothed him.

They watched the hippos until dusk approached, and though Adam was reluctant to leave, he didn't want to bother his mom, because she’s already exhausted

"No need for a piggyback, Mommy. I'm okay," he said, but his eyes lingered on her back.

Ursula, sensing his desire, offered a compromise. "You can carry the water bottle, then."

Adam, torn but eager, clambered onto her back, taking the water bottle. "Promise to tell me if you're tired, okay?"

"I promise," Ursula assured him, her heart swelling with love. "And you're not heavy at all, my little man."

Adam vowed silently to grow strong and protect his mom.

Their shadows stretched long in the sunset, painting a tender scene.

By the time Ursula got home, Adam had dozed off, worn out from their day.

As she settled him in, the doctor brought good news, Adam could go home after tomorrow's IV.

But before Ursula could celebrate, her phone rang. It was Matthew.

"What's wrong, Matthew?" she asked, stepping into a quiet hallway.

"What are you hiding from me?" His voice was cold and probing.

Ursula's heart raced, but she feigned ignorance. "I don't know what you mean."

"Let's hope you're not lying. You know what happens if you deceive me," Matthew warned, then hung up.

Ursula slumped against the wall, shaken. She had nearly caved under his pressure. She had to act fast, Matthew was on to her.