?Chapter 435:


    “Keep throwing it!”


    The boys continued tossing the marker back and forth, enjoying their game.


    Meanwhile, Joy’s frustration mounted. Her cheeks puffed in anger, and tears welled up in herrge eyes. She voiced her displeasure, saying, “What you’re doing is wrong…”


    Her protest went unnoticed as the three children ignored her.


    “Hey, look, she’s crying!” one of the children pointed out.


    “Really? Oh, she is,” another responded with augh. “What a crybaby!” Theirughter continued.


    Growing up in the, Joy often felt the sting of discrimination. Without any adults to defend her, she felt especially vulnerable and isted. She remained still, tears glistening in herrge eyes.


    “Hey!” A voice echoed through the room as the door swung open.


    Joy turned to see a tall, striking man step into the room. Eric approached the child with the marker, offering his hand with a mild smile. “Could you hand over the marker, please?”


    With a gentle coax, he added, “If not, maybe we should visit the nurse’s station? Isn’t it past your bedtime?”


    The children, all wearing hospital gowns, grew anxious at the suggestion of involving a nurse.


    “Here you go!” The boy, eager to avoid trouble, threw the marker high into the air. Eric caught it effortlessly.


    “Off you go,” Eric said. With a shared look of guilt, the children bolted from the room.


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    Eric, marker in hand, finally turned to Joy. “Here—”


    He realized just how tiny she was, barelying up to his knee.


    With a slight hesitation, he crouched down to her level. “Here you go,” he said, offering the marker to her.


    Joy’s eyes widened as she gently took the marker, her voice soft and filled with gratitude. “Thank you.”


    Intrigued, Eric raised an eyebrow and smiled gently. “Do you live around here? You seem unfamiliar.”


    “I’m from Srixby, not the,” Joy replied.


    “Srixby?” That piqued Eric’s interest even more. Upon studying her a little closer, he found himself believing it.


    “What a twist! I’m actually from Srixby too,” Eric said, hoping to connect further.


    “That’s amazing!” Joy’s eyes sparkled even more. “My mom’s back in Srixby right now. Do you know her?”


    Eric chuckled softly, amused by her straightforwardness. “I don’t think I’ve had the chance to meet her.”


    How would he know her mother? He had never met her.


    Despite this, Eric felt an unexpected tenderness toward the young child. Something about her distress moved him, and he feltpelled to ease her worries.


    He nodded toward the marker in her hand and asked, “What were you nning to do with this?”


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