Chapter 493

"Theo, you should drink it." Little Theo stood on tiptoe, holding up a cup of bubble tea with his tiny hands.

Vivian Laurent crouched down and ruffled his soft hair. "I'm an adult. I can't take snacks from children."

Theo shook his head stubbornly. "I bought this just for you!"

Accepting the warm drink, Vivian felt a surge of warmth in her chest. "Thank you, little gentleman."

She examined his scraped knee carefully. "Does it hurt?"

Theo puffed out his chest. "I'm tough!"

Vivian chuckled. "What brings such a brave boy to the hospital today?"

"I came to play with you!" His big eyes sparkled.

She took a sip of the tea—perfectly sweet. Only then did she remember she hadn't eaten lunch.

"Let's go to the pediatric ward, okay?" She took his chubby little hand.

Theo skipped beside her. "You can call me Theo!"

"Because you're the little treasure at home?" She pinched his cheek playfully.

In the pediatric ward, a boy sat motionless on his bed. Vivian knelt to meet his gaze, but he remained unresponsive.

"Autism spectrum," his mother explained, eyes red-rimmed.

Vivian tried various methods, but the boy stayed silent.

"Sis!"

Theo's bright voice broke the tension. He peeked through the doorway, curious.

An idea struck Vivian. "Theo, will you help me with something?"

"Okay!" he answered enthusiastically.

She whispered instructions in his ear. Theo nodded solemnly, as if accepting a critical mission.

Medical staff stepped outside. Theo toddled to the bed and held out his treasured candy.

"Here, big brother. It's super yummy!"

The boy's eyes lifted slowly. Theo chattered about kindergarten adventures, gesturing animatedly.

Miraculously, the boy reached for the candy.

Outside the door, Vivian pressed a hand to her mouth. The two boys leaned closer together, their innocent laughter filling the room.