The room fell silent for a moment when Isaac's innocent question hung in the air. Estrella hadn't even had a chance to respond before Isaac added, "You know, Jonah's mom from my class? She was in the hospital last year too. When she came back, she brought Jonah a little sister."
"Jonah said she was born while his mom was in the hospital."
Isaac's explanation made Estrella chuckle. She ruffled his hair affectionately and said, "Well, I'll do my best to get you a little sister soon."
At Estrella's promise, Isaac's face grew a bit serious. "But there's this girl in our class, Lily, she said her mom came back from the hospital looking prettier."
Estrella laughed even harder. "Sounds like Lily's mom stayed at a spa, not a hospital!"
Isaac nodded eagerly, tightening his hug around Estrella's leg.
Autumn watched the exchange with a sense of nostalgia. "Isaac's almost five now, Estrella. Maybe it's time to think about a second child," she said, clearly hinting at Estrella and Jason's need to solidify their relationship.
Estrella just smiled, not entertaining the thought. Considering they were already stretched thin to the point of hospital visits, where would they find the time and energy for another child?
After playing with Isaac for a while, Autumn decided it was time to let Estrella rest. She whispered to Jason before leaving, "Make sure she takes it easy, Jason. She's always working, always on the phone. Make sure she rests."
"I got it, Mom," Jason reassured Autumn with a smile as they headed to the elevator.
Returning to the room, Jason found Estrella just finishing a work call and starting on her meal. He pulled up a chair next to her, took the spoon from her hand, and started feeding her. "Let's put work aside for now," he suggested, then mentioned, "I've shortlisted a few assistants for you. You can meet them once you're discharged."
Estrella didn't refuse his care, her mind drifting to their conversation the previous night. He had suggested letting her "test the waters" with someone else, saying if she didn't find anyone better than him, she could always come back.
Watching Jason, she couldn't believe he was capable of such humility.
Her gaze was intense, but she didn't need to say anything; Jason seemed to read her mind.
After finishing her soup, he wiped her mouth with a napkin, teasing, "What's with that look? Planning your next move?"
Estrella took the napkin from him, playing it cool. "Don't worry, I've got a son now. I'm not plotting anything against you."
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