Chapter 23: Nightmares and Fantasies

"How is he, doc?" Averill asked Laura urgently. Laura looked at Noah, who was just standing beside his wife. He looked back at him and made a small smile. A sad smile.

"Laura? Tell me how my child is! My god! Do you know how cold he is earlier? I really panicked and rushed him here. He's going to be okay, right? He survived the attack yesterday. He's a really great boy, isn't he?" Laura stared at her with pity.

"Averill," Noah called her, getting tired of seeing her acting this way now.

"Noah, maybe we should buy new toys for him. Let's go shopping later. What do you think?" She smiled at him. "Noah? Are you listening? Noah?" Noah looked down. It's really sinking in him now.

"Noah? Noah? Oh god, are you feeling unwell too?" she asked him, touching his face. "I was told I am born healthy, so maybe Damien got it from you?" she chuckled and touched Noah's cheeks. "Hey? Look at me. Are you alright?" Averill asked him again, but Noah kept looking down.

"Stop," he whispers. "Stop this,