Chapter 7 - Beware

Henrique repeated over and over that Aurora needed to calm down. But his words seemed to vanish into thin air, meaningless. It was impossible to ask for calm from a mother already imagining a thousand worst-case scenarios.

When they arrived at the school, Aurora rushed out of the car without waiting. Henrique followed close behind. One of the school staff saw them and walked briskly in their direction.

"Aurora, good afternoon." "Sara, where's Davi?" "Good afternoon," Henrique said gently. "She's really worried." "Good afternoon," Leandro greeted as he approached. The woman raised an eyebrow, surprised.

"Mr. Leandro?" Aurora looked at him too, equally confused. "And the boy?" he asked, looking directly at Sara. "You three came together?" "Yes, we're friends and coworkers," Henrique explained calmly. "He's in the library. Come with me," she said, already turning around.

They walked in silence toward the library. As soon as they entered, Aurora spotted her son sitting in a chair beside a staff member reading a book to him.

"Mommy!" Davi called, relief lighting up his face. "How are you, baby?" she asked, kneeling down to embrace him tightly. "It hurts here," he said, pointing to his throat. "He complained of a headache, and then we noticed the fever. He hasn't eaten because of the sore throat," the staff member explained, stroking his head gently. "Probably a throat infection. It's best to take him to the clinic and start treatment right away," Leandro suggested, his gaze steady on the boy.

"I'm taking him now," Aurora said, standing up with Davi in her arms. "Leandro, I'm sorry. Can I take the afternoon off?" "Of course, Aurora. Don't worry about work." "I'll call a cab. Thank you both so much." "No need. I'll take you," Leandro said quickly. "You don't have to go out of your way even more." "Of course I do. Come on." "I'll carry him to the car," Leandro offered. "Hey, champ. Want to go with uncle?"

"Go on," Aurora told her son while still glancing at the two men.

"Who are you?" Davi asked, staring at Leandro. "I work with your mom." "He does too?" "He's my friend. He's helping us with a project."

While Leandro carried Davi, Aurora thanked the librarian and the staff member. At the car, he gently placed the boy in the back seat and fastened the seatbelt.

"Take care, alright? When you're better, we're getting some nice cold ice cream," he said, tousling Davi's hair.

"Really? I'm gonna get better super fast!" "He loves ice cream. You hit his weak spot," Aurora commented, smiling despite her worry. "Even better. When you're feeling good again, if your mom says it's okay, we'll take you to the park with Rafael's kids. With ice cream."

"Can we, mom?" "Of course, baby."

She thanked Henrique and said goodbye. Once inside the car, she watched through the window as Henrique and Leandro exchanged a few words and laughed. Henrique playfully tapped Leandro's arm before stepping away, and Leandro got into the vehicle and started driving.

"Let's head to Clinimed. You know it?" "Yeah. But listen... I know a doctor — Dr. Afonso — he takes care of Rafael's kids. He's amazing. And his clinic's way better equipped." "Which clinic is it?" "Medlab. It's right downtown." "I've seen it. But it's way more expensive than Clinimed," Aurora said, biting her lip as she looked out the window. "But what about your health insurance?" "Right... I saw I have insurance now — for me and Davi — in the new position," she replied, lightly tapping her forehead. "Good. If not, heads would roll back at the office," Leandro joked, and they both laughed.

"So, where to?" "Medlab is great. I've heard so many good things about Dr. Afonso. But the Clinimed doctor already knows Davi..." "It's your call." "Let's go to Clinimed."

Leandro nodded and kept driving. Along the way, he kept chatting with Davi, who was slowly relaxing.

"Do you like school, Davi?" "Sometimes. It's fun to play there. But sometimes I don't wanna go." "Playing is awesome. But what about studying?" "Studying's only fun... sometimes." "What do you like playing with the most?" "Cars." "Then you really need to meet Lucas. He's got a super cool car collection." "Really? Let's go!" "First, the doctor. Then, if you behave and get better, we'll go. But you gotta eat all the soup your mom makes." "I will! Even the green stuff she puts in it!"

They all laughed together.

Aurora watched him through the rearview mirror. For a moment, she forgot the fever, the anxiety, the fear. Leandro's voice was steady, light, reassuring. He wasn't just keeping her son calm — he was caring for both of them.

And as good as it felt, it also scared her. She had received plenty of help from the amazing neighbor she met after moving, but having a man involved in Davi's life was new — for both of them.

Besides, Leandro was her boss. And Davi, who had always longed for a father figure, might start seeing something that wasn't there in his little mind.

The clinic was about fifteen minutes away. When they arrived, Leandro got out first, opened the door for Aurora, then gently lifted Davi from the back seat.

"Let's go, champ. Just a quick check and then ice cream," he said with a wink.

At reception, Aurora handed over the documents and provided the insurance details. Within minutes, they were called in. Leandro insisted on joining them, despite her objections.

"I'll stay. It'll be quick," he said, already standing.

The doctor — a middle-aged woman with kind eyes — examined Davi with care. She checked his throat, listened to his lungs, and took his temperature.

"It's a mild throat infection. Likely viral, but I'll prescribe antibiotics to prevent anything more serious. The fever should go down by tomorrow," she explained, typing on her computer.

Aurora nodded, still tense. "He's going to be okay, right?" "Yes, he will. Lots of water, rest, and light meals. And of course, mom's affection helps a lot," the doctor said with a gentle smile. "And uncle Leandro's too!" Davi added with a raspy voice.

They left the office with the prescription in hand. Leandro stepped forward again.

"Let's stop by the pharmacy before I drop you off." "Leandro, you really don't have to..." "Don't start. We're already here. Won't take long," he said, already heading out.

At the pharmacy, he parked and got out with Aurora. Minutes later, they returned. Leandro carried a small bag.

"Got some sugar-free candies to help his throat." "Mr. Leandro... you didn't have to." "Aurora," he said, gently but firmly, "It's really okay."

She nodded silently, swallowing the lump in her throat.

The ride home was quiet. Davi had fallen asleep before they even arrived. Leandro parked, got out, and helped Aurora carry her sleeping son.

"Need help inside?" "No... Yes. I mean, if it's not a problem." "It's no problem."

She unlocked the gate and then the front door. Leandro walked in carrying Davi. The house was small but cozy — light tones on the walls, the scent of lavender in the air, and a box of toys in the corner of the living room.

"You can put him in the bedroom."

Leandro followed her, taking in every detail with quiet respect. Aurora gently laid her son down, covered him, and then closed the door halfway.

"Thank you... for everything," she said as they returned to the living room. "No need to thank me." "I do. You could've just gone back to work. But you stayed. You helped." "And I'd do it again," he replied, meeting her gaze.

She felt her heart skip. She wanted to say something, but a lump caught in her throat. She just smiled, eyes glistening.

Leandro noticed. He stepped closer, voice calm and sincere.

"Davi's going to be fine. He just needs rest and love. Tomorrow he'll be asking for ice cream again." "Definitely," she whispered with a small laugh, even as tears escaped.

"Hey, don't cry. He's okay. You know how kids are." "I know, it's just..." She ran her hand through her hair. "Forget it. Thanks for everything." "What is it? You can say it." "It's nothing. I'm okay," she said, avoiding his eyes.

"Alright. I'll get back to work. But anything — anything at all — just call me, okay?" "Okay."

He walked to the door, then paused.

"And if you ever feel like talking... I've got two ears wide open."

She chuckled softly and nodded.

Aurora walked him to the gate and watched until he got in the car. She stayed there, unmoving, until he drove off and gave a small wave through the window.

She stepped back into the house and collapsed on the sofa, exhaling slowly.

Maybe, for the first time in a long while, she was letting someone get close. And that terrified her. Maybe she'd made a mistake by cutting everyone off from Davi's life. Maybe she'd been right.

She didn't know anymore. And that confusion hurt.

All she ever wanted was the best for her son — even if, most of the time, she forgot to want something for herself.