Harith was rarely awake, then he looked at me with wide, quiet eyes, like he was afraid to say or do the wrong thing. I couldn’t bring myself to hate him, no matter what had happened between me and Beatrix. He was just a child—innocent and even less fortunate than Adeline in many ways. His life seemed to be used for his mother’s constant need for sympathy.
One night, as I watched over Harith, an uneasy feeling crept over me. A mother’s intuition, they call it. I couldn’t ignore it. I had to check on Adeline. Something didn’t feel right.
I stood up, trying to slip out quietly. But just as I reached the door, I heard a small, strangled gasp behind me. Harith was suddenly struggling to breathe, his tiny chest heaving. Doctors and nurses rushed in and I froze for a moment as they crowded around his bed, working to help him.
I glanced back once more but knew I couldn’t wait. I slipped out of the room and into the hallway, my mind set on getting to Adeline. But as I hurried down the hall, someone grabbed onto my leg, making me stop.
It was Beatrix, on her knees, her face wet with tears. She clung to me, shaking with grief and panic, her eyes wild and full of hurt.
“How could this happen?” she cried. “The doctor said this morning that Harith was doing well! He only had the soup you made…”
Her words stung, like a hidden accusation. She gripped my leg tighter, as if I was her only lifeline. “Alice, if you’re mad at me, then hate me, but don’t take it out on Harith. He’s just a child…he’s everything I have!”
I tried to pull my leg free, feeling her words jab at my already frayed nerves. “Move, Beatrix,” I said, keeping my voice firm. “I need to see Adeline.”
But she didn’t let go. Her eyes hardened with bitterness. “Of course,” she spat, her voice filled with anger. “Only Adeline matters to you, doesn’t she? Harith means nothing to you, just because he’s my child.”
I felt a flash of anger rise up, but I forced it down. I couldn’t let her words distract me from Adeline, not now. Beatrix’s constant accusations and need for attention were wearing me down. But her words stayed with me, making my heart feel even heavier.
Just then, Paul appeared at the end of the hallway. He walked over quickly, his face serious and tense. Without a word, he grabbed my arm, holding me firmly. He glanced at Harith’s room, his eyes flickering with worry, but he focused back on me.