Chapter 173
The following morning, Hackett hadn’t slept a wink and sat outside.
Raina’s mother, the woman from the neighboring tent, woke up and emerged, discovering him seated by the now- extinguished campfire.
“Alex’s father, why are you up so early? Did you not sleep?” The woman couldn’t help but inquire, grateful for Hackett’s assistance in setting up the tent the previous day.
Hackett raised his gaze at the sound, revealing little emotion as be calmly replied, “No sleep. By the way, there might be snakes, ants, and mosquitoes here at night. Be cautious and secure the tent’s zipper tightly,”
Hackett James raised his head and looked over. Without much expression, he replied indifferently, “I’m not asleep. By the way, there will be snakes, mosquitoes, and insects here at night. Be careful and zip up the tent tightly.”
“Really? This is the campsite chosen by the kindergarten; there shouldn’t be any creatures here…” Raina’s mother responded. her expression suddenly tinged with anxiety
At that moment, Valeria awoke, unzipped the tent, and spotted Hackett conversing with Raina’s mother,
Her eyes carried a hint of disdain, and she muttered under her breath, “Early morning flirtations. Does he genuinely believe himself a peacock! Such a flirt.”
Raina’s mother was the first to notice Valeria. She offered a polite nod and greeted, “Good morning, Ms. Sharp.”
“Good morning. Valeria replied.
Despite feeling highly uncomfortable, she maintained the requisite politeness and even offered a sweet smile as she exited
the tent.
“Ms. Sharp, I envy you so much. You are so incredibly fortunate, Your husband stayed up all night outside, Raina’s mother commented.
Only
y then did Raina’s mother grasp why Hackett had foregone Jeep all night he had been safeguarding his wife and child from snakes, ants, and mosquitoes,
This stirred envy in her, a single mother.
Valeria was momentarily taken aback but then grasped the implications of Raina’s mother’s words. She glanced at Hackett’s faint dark circles under his eyes.
She offered a smile and said, “Thank you.”
Subsequently, Raina’s mother turned to fetch water for washing up, and Valeria regarded Hackett with his weary eyes “How will you manage to accompany our child on the mountain like this? You should rest in the tent while I take Alex mountain climbing.
She was primarily concerned about the snakebite on Hackett’s ankle. It had to be painful, even if it wasn’t from a venomous snake. Going mountain climbing might be too demanding on that leg.
Nevertheless, Hackett furrowed his brows and declined, stating. No, I need to be there with both of you.”
Mountain climbing could pose significant risks, and he had to be present for the sake of the mother and child. He couldn’t afford to be absent.
“Are you certain your wound can handle mountain climbing? Valeria inquired, her gaze briefly falling on his injured ankle.
Chapter 173
Hackett responded, “It is fine; It’s scabbed over, and I tended to last night. It’s just a minor injury?
“As you wish,” Valeria acquiesced.
Valeria contemplated offering more but decided against it. She turned to fetch water, preparing to rouse her little
sleepyhead, Alex.
After Valeria walked away, the man lowered his head, inspecting the wound on his ankle. In truth, the snake’s bite had been rather deep last night, and he hadn’t tended to il
However, he remained resolute in his decision to accompany Valeria and her son on the mountain
Following breakfast, the kindergarten organized a group mountain climb. Since the participants were all children, the aim was not to scale treacherous heights but to provide them with a close encounter with nature.
Hackett, hampered by his injured ankle, trod gingerly. Each step felt like walking on a bed of nails, yet he trailed behind Valeria and little Alex without a word.
“Mommy, look, a butterfly! It’s so beautifull” Alex cheered, excitedly pointing at a vibrant blue butterfly soaring overhead.
Valeria followed her child’s gesture and indeed spotted the butterfly. It had been a while since she had seen one.
Meanwhile, Hackett settled onto a large boulder at the side. On the surface, he appeared calm, but his wound had reopened slightly from the trek, causing it to bleed internally.
Alex turned to him, exclaiming with delight, “Hackett, can you catch the butterfly for me? I want to catch one.”
However, he saw blood seeping out of Hackett’s ankle and a few drops of blood on the ground.
About to rise and capture a butterfly, he halted abruptly as the sight of blood terrified the young boy.
Alex’s previously cheerful voice turned frantic as he cried, “Mommy, Uncle Hackett is bleeding. There is blood…”
Valeria instinctively gazed at the man’s ankle and indeed saw blood oozing out, staining the ground.
Her heart constricted, and she thought, “Has the wound reopened?”
Hackett got to his feet, his tall figure standing out, and affectionately patted his son’s head, attempting to soothe his fears as he replied, “It’s okay. I accidentally brushed against something
“Does it hurt?” Alex inquired, raising his head.
“No, men can’t admit it hurts, Hackett retorted.
Valeria interjected, her tone frosty. “Must you perpetuate such stereotypes for our child? Men are human, too. Pain is pain”
Hackett was at a loss for words.
Valeria squatted down, patiently elucidating to her son, “Alex, Hackett has hurt his foot We should return to the city and have his wound looked after in the hospital. How about we save camping for another time when we have the opportunity?”
Although Alex was initially resistant, the sight of blood on the ground softened him, leading him to nod obediently.
“You are such a good boy, Alex. Next time, we’ll embark on an even more exciting camping adventure, complete with fishing.” Valeria promised, saying,
Valeria hugged her son, touched by his thoughtfulness once more.
She sensed that while the little guy didn’t want to leave, the sight of Hackett bleeding had frightened him.
08:22
Chapter 173
Thus, Valeria informed the teacher, and they left the campsite prematurely, returning to the city.
Upon arrival at the hospital, Valeria’s anxiety began to subside as the doctor attended to Hackett’s wound, assuring them it was not a major issue.
“The wound, unfortunately, was not attended to promptly, and the risk of bacterial infection in the wilderness is present. It’s currently oozing, but with proper treatment, it should heal fine. Be cautious not to overexert yourself, rest, and avoid seafood and alcohol… the doctor advised.
Valeria paid careful attention to the doctor’s instructions.
Hackett, however, appeared nonchalant, engaging with Alex and resembling a close father–son duo, their striking resemblance unmistakable.
“Alright, let’s head home and rest. Did you hear what the doctor said? Don’t exert yourself too much; you need rest to prevent the wound from reopening. Valeria fretted.
Hackett merely responded with a subdued “Yes.”
She had just resolved to escort him home when the sound of Barron, who was leaning on a cane, echoed through the hallway.
“You rascal, what trouble have you gotten into? How did you get bitten by a snake again?” Barron reprimanded sternly. However, upon laying eyes on Valeria and Alex, his expression underwent a swift transformation.
Valeria, you are here too. Oh my, my little great–grandson is here as well,” Barron greeted gently, his demeanor shifting entirely.
Barron beamed upon seeing Alex, and he approached to take the child’s plump hand, his gaze overflowing with love and fondness.
SEND GIFT
