As Q drove the kids to the hospital, their laughter and chatter filled the car. They were bubbling with excitement, thrilled to see their papa again. But back at the house, Daisy remained in her room.
She wasn’t ready to face him yet not like this. The thought of seeing her father in that fragile state felt heavier than she could bear. Maybe she could wait until he came home, when things felt more normal, less terrifying.
The house was too quiet now, an unsettling contrast to the usual warmth it once held. Daisy finally stepped outside, unable to stand the oppressive silence any longer. It was almost like a nightmare this house, stripped of the laughter and love that had always defined it.
Her steps faltered as she stared at the familiar surroundings, now seeming so foreign. This wasn’t the home she grew up in, the one where her father’s booming laugh echoed through the halls. It felt empty—broken.
Meanwhile, Q, Toey, Marc, Ciize, and her Jelly finally arrived at the hospital. The kids rushed ahead, their excitement overpowering their restraint. They threw their small arms around their papa as soon as they saw him, their giggles and relieved cries filling the sterile room.
Phum and Peem were caught off guard by the sudden commotion but quickly softened, watching the reunion unfold. Tan stood quietly near the corner, his hands fidgeting nervously, while Fang, who had been sitting near the window, turned to see what was happening.
The joy in the room was undeniable, but Fang’s brow furrowed as he scanned the group. A sinking realization hit him. “Where’s Daisy?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.
The others hesitated before Q finally spoke, his tone careful. “She didn’t come. She said she wasn’t ready yet… I think the accident scared her more than she’s letting on.”
The room fell silent for a moment. Fang’s jaw tightened, his eyes clouding with worry. Daisy had always been strong, almost too stubborn for her own good. But he knew this wasn’t about pride. The accident had shaken her to her core.
Phum placed a reassuring hand on Fang’s shoulder. “She just needs time. She’ll come around,” he said softly.
Fang didn’t respond, his gaze shifting back to the kids clinging to their papa. The sight warmed his heart, but it also deepened his worry for Daisy. He understood better than most how silence could be a shield.
As the room settled, Fang’s sharp eyes caught something he hadn’t noticed before a faint bruise and a small bandage on Marc’s cheek. His brows furrowed as he crossed the room. “Marc… What happened to your face?”
Marc glanced away awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. “It’s nothing, really. Just—uh—just a little misunderstanding.”
“Marc,” Fang pressed, his tone firm, “what happened?”
Ciize shot Marc a warning look, silently urging him to keep quiet, but Marc sighed heavily and gave in. “Alright, alright,” he muttered, shifting uncomfortably. “It was Daisy.”
Fang froze. “Daisy?”
“Yeah…” Marc winced. “We… had a fight. It was a mess, honestly. She punched me.”
“She what?” Fang’s voice rose slightly, more in disbelief than anger.
Marc held up his hands quickly, trying to calm him down. “Look, it wasn’t unprovoked or anything. I said some things I shouldn’t have.”
“What kind of things?” Fang demanded, his eyes narrowing.
Marc hesitated, guilt flickering across his face. “I… I blamed her,” he admitted quietly. “For what happened to you. I was upset, okay? Scared. I said if she hadn’t—if she hadn’t distracted you or whatever, the accident wouldn’t have happened. And, well…”
