CHAPTER FOUR—SILENT CRITICISM AND SCHOOL DAYS.

Arina’s POV

When I woke up, my body was still stiff from yesterday's efforts, and the morning sun was just starting to peek through the heavy curtains.

Knowing that getting Kael ready for school would be a new challenge today, I took a deep breath.

I hurriedly put my hair up and packed the bag Maria had made for Kael's school day.

The first obstacle was always breakfast, but I was determined to make it quiet and easy.

Kael was already seated at the dining table, staring at a little sketchbook as usual.

"Good morning, Kael," I said quietly, attempting to sound upbeat but unobtrusive.

He merely blinked once before going back to his drawings without replying.

Breakfast was a very structured event.

Kael hardly touched his food, every move he made was careful and planned.

I gave him space, only helping when he seemed to need it, trying not to mess with whatever system he had going on.

“Want some toast with your jam?” I asked quietly, putting the plate where he could reach it.

He barely nodded.

His head just moved a tiny bit, almost too small to see, but it was enough to let me know he heard me.

I smiled, feeling happy about the little win.

After breakfast, I walked him to where he gets ready for school.

He let me help him with his tie and coat, but he stayed quiet and kept watching me.

I saw him fix his clothes a little after I helped him, making sure they were just right.

When we got to the driveway and were all set to leave, I heard heels clicking on the floor.

It was Viva, and she seemed as powerful as I presumed.

She looked at me, her eyes sharp, with a small smirk on her face.

“Arina,” she said, sounding sweet but also looking down on me, “I hope you know how important it is to take care of Kael the right way.

We don’t want him to not do well, do we?”

I smiled nicely, even though I didn't feel it.

“Of course, I’ll make sure everything’s good.”

She stared at me for a while, checking me out.

“I’ve seen lots of caregivers come and go,” she went on, speaking smoothly but with a sharp edge.

“Some don’t really pay attention.

Some don’t get it.

Kael is sensitive. He needs… care. I hope you can handle it.”

“Yes,” I said quietly, trying to stay calm.

Her words hurt, but I didn’t let them get to

me.

This was my job.

Wanting to provide for my father and sister made me stronger than any bad feeling her words caused.

Viva smiled, like she was happy enough, and looked over at the garden.

I breathed out quietly, leading Kael to the car.

He didn’t talk during the drive, just looked out the window, sometimes glancing at me like he was curious.

School wasn’t far.

I kept a close eye on Kael as we got there, the way he moved a little, how his hands moved a bit when he saw the other kids

playing outside.

I made sure to speak softly and encouraged him.

I walked him to his classroom, making sure he was okay before I left.

Even though he didn't say anything, I felt him checking me out—watching to see if I

could be trusted.

I smiled to myself.

Being patient, watching, and earning his trust—that’s what I was going for.

Back at the house, the place was pretty quiet, but there was still stuff going on.

Maria kept an eye on me, gave me tips when I needed them, but mostly let me do my thing.

Around mid-morning, the doorbell rang.

It was a delivery of papers.

I signed for them and put them away in a stack before going back to the kitchen.

While I was working, I felt someone behind me.

I turned around and saw Viva, leaning in the doorway, watching me with a weird look on her face.

“Still struggling with breakfast?” she asked, her voice smooth but kinda sharp.

“Kael’s picky, isn’t he? I hope you’re not messing up his day because you’re new at this.”

I kept my voice nice but firm.

“No, ma’am.

He ate and he’s at school now.”

Viva tilted her head, her eyes getting a little narrow.

“Good. I don’t want him to think things can be a mess.

You need to pay attention to details.

A small mistake can mess up his whole day.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I said, forcing a smile.

Inside, I was thinking fast.

She wasn’t just talking about Kael—she was talking about me, testing me, checking me out, and maybe trying to scare me.

I wasn’t going to let her.

The rest of the morning was just chores—setting stuff up, cleaning, getting ready for Kael to come back.

I tried to focus, but I was nervous for him to get back.

When the cab finally showed up, Kael got out, calm as always.

He looked at me for a second.

“Welcome back, Kael,” I said softly, with a smile.

He didn’t say anything, just walked past me.

I followed him, staying back a bit.

He went to his spot with his book, not saying a word.

I watched him, seeing if he looked comfy or not.

“Want a snack?” I asked, putting a plate in front of him.

He nodded, and for a second, I felt relieved.

Be patient. Watch. Be respectful. That’s how to get to know him.

By night, the house was quiet.

The sun was going down, making the room glow.

Kael let me help him get ready for bed.

I noticed he was starting to open up—letting me comb his hair, fixing his blanket, even saying a word when I asked him something.

“Goodnight, Kael,” I whispered, moving hair from his face.

He didn’t open his eyes, but he didn’t move my hand away either.

That felt like a win—a small thing, but it was only for me.

After leaving his room, I went back to mine, feeling tired after being patient and watching all day.

The house was quiet, but I felt like I had to follow a bunch of rules.

I knew tomorrow would be harder.

I would get new comments, and have new chances to earn Kael’s trust.

As I went to sleep, I thought about why I was here: for my dad, for Ayla, and hoping

I could do some good for Kael.

I’d be patient, and slowly build this quiet, sensitive friendship with him.

Maybe, later, Kael would let me be more than just someone who watches quietly.

Some friendships aren’t about talking.

They're about being patient, understanding, and not giving up—even when things are quiet.