"If things go well, it could take half a year, but he must continue receiving physiotherapy after returning."
The doctor explained.
"Half a year?" Coralie repeated.
"Does it mean that I won't be able to see Daddy for half a year?" Hendric pouted.
Hendric was sitting in Skylar's lap with his head against Skylar's chest. He raised his head longingly. When Coralie was in S Country, Skylar had been taking care of Hendric. The two had formed a strong rapport since then.
"It's alright. Daddy will be back very soon."
Skylar stroked Hendric's hair.
"Can... can I go visit you?" Coralie sheepishly asked.
What Coralie actually wanted to say was, "Can I go with you?" However, she changed her mind in the end.
The first reason was because she was afraid that it would be inconvenient for her to be there as Skylar would be undergoing surgery. The second reason was because she had just started working in Togsom Accounting Firm. If she was to ask for such a long sabbatical, even if Skylar supported her, she wouldn't have the dignity to stay in Togsom Accounting Firm.
"Not during the first three months. It would depend on his condition after the surgery. If he recovers well, it can be arranged."
The doctor answered Coralie.
"Then Mom, can I come along when you visit Dad?"
Hendric held onto Coralie's hand with his tiny fingers expectantly. Hendric behaved himself and did not throw a tantrum like any other kid would. He did not insist on following Skylar. Instead, he listened to the doctor and asked if he could tag along to visit Skylar when they were allowed to.
"Alright. When the time comes, I'll get someone to pick you up." Before Coralie could say anything, Skylar agreed to Hendric's request. He placed Hendric on his lap as he tapped his little nose and said, "But you have to listen to Mom."
"Yes I will." Hendric clenched his little fists and said, "I am a real man. I will protect Mommy when Daddy is not here."
Watching her son speak in such a cute but sincere tone, a gentle smile appeared on Coralie's face.
"You should rest soon, President Holland."
The doctor knew there was much for the trio to catch up on since they were about to be separated soon. Hence, he suggested that Skylar get some rest.
......
When Coralie came over with Hendric, it was already late as they only departed after she got off work. It was already eight o'clock and they had barely spoken. Furthermore, Hendric usually went to bed before nine o'clock.
"Go get changed and head to bed." Coralie ordered Hendric.
In the room, Coralie retrieved Hendric's pyjamas from the small suitcase. Hendric obediently changed into his pyjamas and brought his toothbrush to the bathroom to clean his teeth.
From the bathroom, he shouted, "Mom, I can't reach it!"
At Hendric's call, Coralie stood up to head to the bathroom but Skylar stopped her. "You should rest. I'll go."
Hendric was standing before the basin, frustrated at its height when Skylar came in.
Bringing Hendric up onto his lap again, Skylar helped Hendric reach the basin as he brushed his teeth.
When Hendric was done, he turned around and hugged Skylar's neck with his little arms. He said in a whisper, "Dad, I have a secret to tell you."
"What is it?" Skylar appeared eager and surprised.
He deliberately hushed his voice. To Skylar, Hendric was just a child. His secret was probably something to do with eating sweets or the like.
However, Hendric put his arms around Skylar's neck and said, "A bad person came to our house a few days ago. She said something bad about Mom, Uncle and Grandma. I drove her away to protect everyone."
Hendric looked at Skylar with gleaming eyes, as if he was expecting to be praised.
Skylar, however, seemed a little worried.
A bad person? If she reprimanded Coralie, Wayne and Hera, she was probably someone from the Holland family, but who would give Coralie any trouble?
"What does the bad person look like? Can you tell me about her?" Skylar asked.
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