The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 592

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"It varies from child to child," Suzie agreed with a nod. "Most kids wouldn't react this way. But you mentioned he already had a history of picky eating. A child like that is far more susceptible to having their appetite disrupted by external factors. If you can't find any other medical reason, you might want to start by taking that toy set away."

"Alright... I'll give it a try. Thank you, Ms. Sterling."

Half an hour later, Jamie and Suzie said their goodbyes to Ms. Langley and walked out of the orphanage.

When they reached Jamie's car, Suzie didn't go for the passenger side. Instead, she opened the back door and slid into the seat directly behind the driver.

Jamie didn't say a word. He just caught her eye in the rearview mirror a few times before starting the engine.

They had been driving for about twenty minutes when Suzie felt a sudden, unmistakable dampness. Her heart dropped. She quickly did the math in her head—she was close to her period, but it shouldn't have been for another few days. Had it come early?

Panicking, Suzie lifted herself up slightly and twisted around to check the leather seat beneath her. The moment she did, her face burned bright red.

A small but glaringly obvious bloodstain stared back at her against the pristine, light-gray upholstery.

Suzie was paralyzed with embarrassment. She was wearing light-colored trousers today. What was she supposed to do?

And worse, she had ruined his car. Jamie was notoriously obsessive about cleanliness. This was a nightmare.

In the front seat, Jamie noticed via the rearview mirror that Suzie had suddenly gotten taller. Glancing closer, he realized she was hovering awkwardly, practically doing a wall-sit above the seat. "Is everything okay, Suzie?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Suzie bit her lip, too mortified to form words. She just stayed frozen in her awkward half-crouch, trying to shrink away from the reflection in the mirror.

Sensing something was wrong, Jamie immediately pulled the car over to the side of the road. Seeing her window of opportunity, Suzie frantically dug into her purse, pulled out a tissue, and slapped it over the stain.

But Jamie moved fast. The second the car was in park, he unbuckled his seatbelt, stepped out, and opened the rear door.

He saw her awkwardly hovering, her face flushed, her knuckles white as she gripped the fabric of her pants. She looked terrified.

"What's wrong? Is the seat uncomfortable?"