A Mother’s Watch

The night grew deeper, the house quiet except for the soft hum of the city. Alina paused in the hallway, her thoughts heavy. Going back to Atheria had stirred things again, the press, Adam, Sebastian, the Vaughn's, everything tightening around her like a storm waiting to break.

Downstairs, Sam and Regina sat in the kitchen. Soft mugs clinked, their quiet laughter drifting up the stairs. Alina smiled to herself. They were her steady place, even if they didn’t know it. And she could see how they felt about each other, both too shy to admit it. Maybe they were closer than they let on. She shook her head, amused, and stepped into the room.

“Plotting something without me?” she teased.

Alina chuckled and sat down. “I won’t be surprised when you two finally stop hiding how you feel.”

They froze, then looked away. Sam scratched the back of his head, glancing at Regina. “We… weren’t expecting you to notice,” he admitted, a little embarrassed.

Regina gave a small, sheepish smile and looked down at her mug.

Alina let it go, smiling quietly. For a moment, home felt warm and safe exactly what she needed before stepping back into the outside world.

The next morning, sunlight slipped through the kitchen windows. The smell of toast and eggs filled the house, Agnes was already cooking.

Alina stepped into Nathaniel’s room. “Good morning, Nate.”

He was already up, brushing his hair neatly. “Morning, Mom. Breakfast ready?”

“Almost. Go wash up first.”

Nathaniel nodded and went to the bathroom, washing his face and brushing his teeth with care unusual for a five-year-old. Alina watched from the doorway, pride warming her chest. Even at his age, he understood more than most kids, and he needed very little reminding.

When he came back, clean and tidy, she helped smooth his uniform. “All set.”

"Thanks, Mom," Nathaniel said, tying his shoes. Just as he finished, a soft whimper drifted from Charlotte's room.

Alina hurried over and opened the door. Charlotte lay curled tightly under her blanket, cheeks pale.

“Charlotte, sweetie, time to wake up,” Alina said gently, touching her shoulder.

Charlotte groaned. “Mom… five more minutes. I feel so tired…” Her voice was faint.

Alina frowned. She pulled the blanket down and pressed her hand to Charlotte's forehead. It was warm. Too warm.

“You’ve got a fever,” Alina murmured, worry in her voice. “Tell me, does anything hurt?”

"My head... my body... I just feel so tired," Charlotte mumbled, shivering slightly under the covers.

Alina nodded and moved with quiet efficiency. She took out the thermometer and placed it under Charlotte's arm. After a moment, she read the temperature. "38°C," she said softly.

Nathaniel appeared in the doorway, eyes slightly narrowed. "Is Charlotte okay?" he asked, his tone both measured and worried.

“She has a fever,” Alina said calmly. “We’ll make her comfortable. Can you get her some water and one more blanket?”

“Of course,” he said, moving to her side. He brushed Charlotte’s hair gently. “Hang in there, Char. Mom’s taking care of you.”

“I just want to sleep…” Charlotte mumbled.

“Rest, sweetheart,” Alina said, brushing her hair back. “We’ll make you feel better.”

Charlotte leaned against her mother, eyes half-closed. “Mom, I don’t want to be sick.”

“I know, baby,” Alina said softly. “But we’ll make you better soon. Just rest, drink, and let your body fight the fever.”

Nathaniel’s small hand stayed on his sister’s hair. “I want to stay with her,” he said softly, hesitant.

Alina put a hand on his shoulder. “I know, sweetheart. But I can take care of Charlotte. You need to have breakfast and get ready for school. Grandpa Wilfred will take you.”

Nathaniel hesitated, glancing at Charlotte's pale face. But he knew his mother was a skilled doctor. "Okay," he said finally. "Charlotte, be good, eat when Mom tells you, and take your medicine, alright?"

Charlotte mumbled weakly, "I'll try..."

Alina watched him leave, feeling both proud and concern, then went back to cooling Charlotte’s forehead and giving her water. "Rest now, sweetheart. I'll make sure you're comfortable and get you feeling better soon."

Once Charlotte fell asleep again, Alina called Regina.

"Hey… just wanted to let you know I won’t be coming by the hospital today," Alina said softly. "Charlotte’s a little unwell, so I’ll be staying with her."

Regina’s voice came through, calm and kind. "Of course, Alina. Don’t worry about work. Focus on her. How’s she doing?"

“She’s asleep now, thankfully. Fever’s still mild, but I want to keep her comfortable and watch over her. I’ll manage my work from here.”

Regina’s tone turned curious. "She seemed fine yesterday, lively and bubbly. How come she’s sick now?"

Alina sighed softly. "I’m not sure, but I’ll keep a close eye on her. Just want to make sure she’s okay."

"Good," Regina said gently. "I’ll handle things on my end. Don’t stress, just watch over her."

"I will," Alina replied with a small smile, feeling a quiet relief. She hung up and returned to her laptop, typing and checking files while glancing at Charlotte from time to time.

Agnes, noticing Charlotte was unwell, quietly stepped into the room. "I’ll stay with her for a bit. You should eat something first."

Alina smiled. "Okay, Agnes. I’ll just grab a little breakfast."

"You can’t work on an empty stomach," Agnes said with a nod.

While Alina made coffee and toasted some bread in the kitchen, Nathaniel got ready to leave. Grandpa Wilfred helped him gather his school things.

Alina called softly as he waved goodbye, "Be good, Nathaniel. Have a good day. Grandpa Wilfred will bring you back safely."

Nathaniel paused, glancing toward Charlotte’s room. "I will, Mom. Take care of Charlotte for me."

"I will," Alina said warmly. "Now go on, you don’t want to be late."

Once Nathaniel left, Alina carried her coffee and toast back upstairs, sipping and nibbling while keeping a careful eye on Charlotte under her blanket. Every few moments, she checked her daughter’s breathing, a quiet worry tugging at her chest. Watching her rest, Alina’s heart tightened, sensing the day ahead might hold more than just fevers and breakfast.