Chapter 61: Open Hands

After a brief chat with the old headmaster about the treatment methods used that day, he grew even more certain that Amanda Vance was, in fact, Divine Doctor Sullivan.

’I just don’t know how skilled she really is. I’ll have to wait and see.’

After receiving the photos from Shawn Ford, Felix Ford ran to the study, printed them out, and then rushed over to Amanda Vance, clutching the medical records. "Mom, can you help me with these medical records?"

Amanda Vance took the papers. They were still warm, clearly fresh off the printer. She raised an eyebrow and asked, "Where did these come from?"

"It’s... it’s the medical record of my classmate’s grandfather. Mom, can you take a look and see if he can be treated?" He had nearly let the truth slip. Thankfully, he’d corrected himself quickly. Fearing she might suspect something, he quickly urged her to read the file.

Amanda Vance opened the file and read for a moment, her brow slowly furrowing. "He has a lot of underlying conditions. The patient is elderly and in poor health, so surgery isn’t advisable. But if this isn’t brought under control, it’s very dangerous."

Hearing this, Felix Ford’s heart tightened. "So, can you treat him?"

"Yes," Amanda Vance nodded. "But it needs to be done as soon as possible to prevent an acute flare-up."

Felix Ford didn’t understand the medical jargon. All he knew was that his mom could treat it, and they had to act fast.

"Then can you go see him, Mom?"

’He’s so anxious. It seems he’s good friends with this classmate. It’s rare to see my son make a close friend.’ Amanda Vance thought for a moment, then said, "How about this? Have his family come and see me. We should talk first."

’Even if I want to treat him, I need the family’s consent. If I just show up out of the blue claiming I can cure him, I’ll seem untrustworthy.’

"Uh..." Felix Ford hesitated, his brow furrowed. He hadn’t expected it to be so complicated. "I’ll... I’ll go talk to them, then."

’I don’t know if I should tell Dad or Uncle Shawn. Uncle Shawn is unreliable, kind of a goofball. But if I tell Dad... ’ He tugged at the hem of his shirt, reluctant. ’If I do, Dad will definitely take me away, and I won’t be able to stay with Mom anymore.’

’But Grandpa’s situation is urgent.’

After a long internal struggle, his hand relaxed. ’Forget it. Grandpa is more important. Getting him treated comes first.’

"Mom, can I sleep with you tonight?" ’Even if I have to leave, every extra second I can spend with Mom is a win.’

Not understanding why her son was suddenly so clingy, Amanda Vance’s heart softened when she saw his pitiful gaze. "Alright."

A smile instantly bloomed on Felix Ford’s face. He shot up and ran toward his room. "I’ll go get my pillow!"

’He’s really become more lively since coming back to the country.’

Amanda Vance watched him go, her fingers tapping gently on her leg. ’I really wish Jean could be like this—a little more lively, a little happier.’

’He’s still too young to have to live such a difficult life.’

She saw him peek his little head out, waving for her to come to the room. With a soft chuckle, she set down her cup and walked over.

Felix Ford immediately handed her his new storybook, looking at her expectantly.

Patting his little head, Amanda Vance opened the storybook and began to tell the story.

Felix Ford found a comfortable position and snuggled into her embrace. Even though his eyelids were growing heavy, he refused to close them.

"Go to sleep now." Amanda Vance finished the story and kissed him on the forehead.

"Mom," Felix Ford forced his eyes open, trying to stay awake. He grabbed her hand and asked, "You won’t ever leave me, will you, Mom?"

"Of course not. Why would you ask that?" Amanda Vance was surprised by his question. If she recalled correctly, this wasn’t the first time he’d said something like this.

"You won’t? Really?" Felix Ford pushed himself up in bed and looked at her earnestly.

"I won’t." This time, Amanda Vance’s answer was firm and unwavering.

Only then did Felix Ford relax. He lay back down, finally closing his eyes in peace. He nuzzled into her embrace and mumbled, "Mom..."

Holding him, Amanda Vance suddenly found herself unable to sleep.

’I can’t understand why he’s reacting like this. He seems so insecure, as if he’s prepared to leave me at any moment.’

’No, to be more precise... he’s prepared to be abandoned *by me* at any moment.’

’But why? Why would he feel that way?’

’Aside from not giving him a complete family, I’ve never even considered such a thing. We’ve been together for five years; we’re the closest people in each other’s lives. Why does he give me this strange feeling, as if I’d abandoned him for a long time in the past?’

She couldn’t figure it out, couldn’t understand it. All she felt was a sorrowful ache in her heart.

’In the end, it must be because I haven’t given him enough security.’

’It’s my fault.’

She held him a little tighter, resting her chin on the crown of his head and nuzzling him gently.

The little boy in her arms seemed to sense it, snuggling even closer. He smacked his lips in his sleep, his fair, small face a picture of peace and contentment.

She watched him for a long time, not falling asleep until just before dawn.

「The next day」

Felix Ford woke up and rubbed his eyes. Feeling someone holding him, he looked up and broke into a wide grin. When he saw her eyelids flutter, he leaned in and planted a loud kiss on her cheek. "Good morning, Mom."

"Good morning." Amanda Vance opened her eyes. Even though she had gone to bed late, she had slept soundly and didn’t feel overly tired.

After breakfast, mother and son headed to school together. Today, Felix Ford insisted on sitting in the front passenger seat.

’It felt like his time with Mom was on a countdown.’

She didn’t know what he was thinking, but she could clearly sense his melancholy. Amanda Vance glanced at him but said nothing. It was only after they had said their goodbyes at the school gate and he was about to head inside that she called out to him.

Felix Ford stopped and looked back at her, confused. "What is it, Mom?"

"Hold out your hands."

Puzzled, Felix Ford held out his hands. Guessing she had something to give him, and worried one hand wouldn’t be enough, he cupped them together. He looked up at her, a sweet, adorable smile on his face. "I’m ready, Mom!"

Amanda Vance couldn’t help but smile along with him. She brought her hand out from behind her back, held it over his cupped palms, and opened her fingers.

Something plump and soft landed in his hands.

Felix Ford picked it up curiously. It was a small doll that looked vaguely familiar.

Suddenly, his eyes lit up. "It’s me!"

It was a plush keychain, a chibi-style version of himself with a smile on its face. Felix Ford caressed it, unable to put it down. It was so soft and comforting to the touch.

He looked up at her, overjoyed. "Did you make this, Mom?"

"Mhm," Amanda Vance nodded, reaching out to pat his head. "Don’t be afraid. I’m here. I will never, ever abandon you. You will always be the one I love most in the world."

Felix Ford stared at her, stunned. After a moment, he suddenly covered his mouth as his eyes welled up with tears again. Amanda Vance hadn’t expected this at all. She sighed helplessly, crouching down to gently hug him. "Why are you crying again?"

"They’re happy tears!"

He didn’t know the phrase "tears of joy," but right now, he felt unbelievably, incredibly happy. ’I’m the happiest person in the world!’

’It’s just a little keychain. How could it be worth all this?’

Amanda Vance gently pinched his cheek. "Go on, head inside."

"Okay!" Felix Ford nodded emphatically and waved to her. "Bye, Mom! I love you the most, too!"

With that, he covered his face and ran off, as if overcome with shyness.

A smile slowly blossomed on Amanda Vance’s face.

But she didn’t notice that behind a nearby pillar, Jean Vance was watching them. His expression was slightly dazed, and for the first time, a look of panic crossed his usually calm little face.