Chapter 126
Kelly tried to explain herself. “I didn’t mean to… I don’t cook often, I really didn’t know… I just thought it would add flavor, that it wouldn’t be a big deal…”
Sharon couldn’t be bothered to look at her. Instead, she turned her eyes on Carter. “And you? Got anything left to say?”
Carter’s lips moved slightly. “Maybe Kelly really didn’t understand…”
Sharon let out a soft, disbelieving laugh, then turned to Theo. “And you?”
Theo spoke in a small voice. “Maybe Kelly didn’t do it on purpose…’
Sharon nodded. “Alright then. If that’s what you all believe, then fine.”
She thought to herself, ‘Respect others’ choices. Let go of the need to save anyone.’
Without another word, she turned to leave.
Carter frowned. “Sharon, where are you going?”
Her tone was cool and detached. “I was up all night. I’m going back to rest. Or did you really think I was some kind of workhorse -supposed to be on duty around the clock?”
Carter’s expression softened a little. “Okay. Go home and rest for now. Theo will need to stay in the hospital for about a week. You can come back at night.”
Sharon’s voice remained distant. “He seems to prefer Kelly’s care anyway. Let her stay and take care of him.”
Carter’s face darkened. “You’re his mother. You’re just going to leave and let someone else take care of him?”
“And you’re his father,” Sharon fired back. “Why aren’t you the one staying? Don’t pull the ‘mother’ card just when it suits you. When something goes wrong with the kid, suddenly everyone comes running to blame me – people who’ve never changed a single diaper questioning the one who’s been there 24/7. The fucking audacity.”
Her icy stare landed on Theo and Kelly.
“If Kelly’s so perfect, let her take care of you. Let’s see if she’s willing to stay up every night for you.”
“And Kelly?” Sharon’s voice turned lethal. “Put up or shut up. Since you love Theo so damn much, you won’t mind handling his hospital stay, will you? Honestly? I hope you three make a perfect little family. Stay in your toxic triangle forever, stop ruining
other people’s lives.” 1
With that, she turned and walked out without a backward glance.
“Sharon, what the hell does that mean?” Carter called after her, his face darkening as he followed her out.
Once the footsteps faded, only Kelly and Theo were left in the hospital room.
Theo stared blankly in the direction Sharon had gone, his face pale.
When the hallway was quiet again, Kelly leaned in and spoke softly. “Theo, when did you wake up? What did your mom ask you?
”
Theo blinked, coming back to himself. “I just woke up not long ago. Mom asked me how the allergy happened… and she asked what happened to the spray in my pocket.”
Kelly watched his face carefully. “And what did you say?”
“I didn’t get the chance to answer. Kelly, you came in right after.”
1/2
Kelly exhaled quietly, a subtle sigh of relief slipping out.
Her expression quickly turned somber. “Theo, I’m sorry. I gave you too many things you shouldn’t have eaten. Your mom said… I nearly killed you. From now on, don’t eat those things anymore, okay?”
Theo, still very much a child with a sweet tooth, panicked a little when he heard that.
“Kelly, don’t listen to Mom. Didn’t you say before that when she was pregnant with me, she ate a bunch of stuff she wasn’t supposed to? That’s why I’m unhealthy now… She’s the cause of all my problems!”
