Benjamin nodded obediently, rubbing his stomach. He was clearly starving, yet the snacks she had brought earlier were still untouched on the table. He hadn't dared to eat them.
Mary's chest tightened.
She went home briefly and returned with rice, a little meat, and some eggs. Not too much. Enough to help, but not enough to make things worse later.
Back in Kristen's kitchen, she cooked meat porridge and fried a few eggs. She gave Benjamin a bowl first, watching him eat carefully, as if afraid of making a sound. The rest she kept warm in the pot.
She checked Kristen again. Her breathing was even now, her temperature normal.
"Miss Mary," Benjamin whispered, his voice trembling, "when will my mom wake up? I'm scared."
Mary stroked his hair gently. "Soon. She just needs to rest. Be good and don't disturb her. Mommy is only very tired."
The boy nodded solemnly and sat quietly by the bed, afraid to move even an inch.
