Taking a deep breath, Estrella said, "Keith's had a rough go of it too. He's made quite a few compromises."
Jason, touched by Estrella's empathy, wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, planting a kiss on her forehead. "Estrella, I won't put you in a tough spot. But with Keith in the hospital, I have to think about him a bit."
Estrella looked up at him. "When you pick up Isaac from preschool tomorrow afternoon, take him to visit grandpa. Seeing Isaac might lift his spirits and help him recover faster."
Keith's health issues mostly stemmed from his heartache.
Understanding this, Estrella knew that following his wishes seemed to speed up his recovery. Jason, moved by her understanding, cupped her chin and kissed her lips.
After a tender moment, the couple cuddled in bed, sharing stories about their childhoods, the past few years, Isaac, and even the baby on the way.
Jason mentioned wanting a daughter, and they spent a while brainstorming names, though they didn't settle on one.
Nestled in his arms, Estrella slowly drifted off to sleep as they talked.
Keith's illness led Estrella to suggest postponing their marriage registration until he was discharged from the hospital. It didn’t seem right to do it while he was unwell.
--
The next morning, after Jason had dropped Isaac off at preschool, Kristin prepared a nutritious breakfast for Estrella. With some free time, Estrella revisited law books, contemplating a return to her legal career.
By 4 p.m., Jason was at the preschool to pick up Isaac.
Holding the steering wheel, Jason glanced at Isaac in the rearview mirror. "Buddy, great-grandpa's not feeling well. We're going to visit him in the hospital. You can keep him company before we head home."
Isaac, busy with his playdough, agreed without hesitation.
Meanwhile, in the hospital room, Keith was alone, as Edith had stepped out momentarily.
The weather had been splendid lately, but Keith felt overwhelmed by his thoughts, yearning to let go of the past and his grievances. Yet, the unfairness he and Amber endured weighed heavily on him.
As he sighed in despair, Isaac's voice suddenly brightened the room, "Great-grandpa!"
Keith turned, leaning on his cane, to see Isaac peeking in, a backpack slung over his shoulder and a cake in hand.
The sight of Isaac instantly lifted Keith's spirits. His gloomy demeanor vanished as he moved towards the door, "Isaac's here."
Isaac's visit warmed Keith's heart, dissipating his earlier melancholy.
"I finished school and came to see you," Isaac said in his sweet voice, offering the cake, "Great-grandpa, I bought you a cake. It's sweet. You'll feel better once you eat it."
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