William held her, gently patting her back. “Take your medicine and get better soon. Daddy’s here and won’t leave.”
My hand was white from gripping the phone. I had messaged him last night about the baby’s stuffy nose and lung inflammation, but he hadn’t replied. He probably knew I was at this hospital, too.
In the afternoon, William came with a bag of fruit. “Regina said her child had a fever and couldn’t manage alone, so I helped this morning. I didn’t see your message.”
I noticed a lipstick stain on his collar. He saw me looking and looked awkward. “The child is playful; she wore Regina’s lipstick and accidentally rubbed it on me when she kissed me.”
My heart had grown cold. Seeing him like this, my anger and resentment faded, replaced by calm. “Hmm.”
William paused, surprised by my reaction. Seeing how much weight I’d lost, a hint of guilt appeared in his eyes.
“You’ve been through a lot these past days. From now on, I’ll stay with you and your daughter and take care of you during your recovery.”
Before I could reply, his phone rang. It was Regina’s child’s ringtone. The little girl’s loud voice filled the room. “Daddy, answer! Mommy needs you! Daddy, answer!”