Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 900

Dr. Hanson's hand rested on Nocturne's wrist, taking his pulse with the focused attention of a seasoned physician while the other hand stroked his beard thoughtfully.

After a prolonged examination, he finally spoke, "The boy will need to stay with me for at least six months before we see any significant improvement."

Agnes had come prepared for a long haul. If six months could bring about positive change, she would be eternally grateful.

"I'm afraid I'm fresh out of spare rooms," Dr. Hanson said. "The boy will have to share a room with Esther. Ms. Pritchard, now that you've brought the boy over, make yourself at home. We'll start his treatment first thing tomorrow."

Agnes replied, "Would it be possible for me to stay tonight? I must leave in the morning, and it's unlikely I'll be able to visit often. I'm entrusting my son to you, Dr. Hanson."

Dr. Hanson consented.

Agnes settled Nocturne into his new room, which actually belonged to Esther. The room had one bed, but it was sufficiently large to accommodate both children comfortably.

"Don't worry, ma'am," Esther reassured her. "I'll take good care of your son."

Agnes smiled with gratitude. "Thank you, Esther."

That night, as both children slept, Agnes sat by the bed, gazing at Nocturne's peaceful face. She knew she would miss him terribly.

In the silence of the night, Agnes wished time would slow its relentless march.

Suddenly, Esther began tossing and turning, her small frame drenched in sweat and burning up with fever. Panicked, Agnes scooped up the feverish girl and rushed to the clinic, which luckily had a night attendant.

Upon seeing Esther's condition, the attendant blanched and exclaimed, "We need to wake the

Dr. Hanson-she needs his expertise!"

Roused from his sleep, Dr. Hanson examined Esther with concern. "Has she had any sugar?" he asked.

Everyone shook their heads, but then Agnes remembered, "I gave her a piece of chocolate when I arrived today."

At that, the attendant gasped, "Oh no, that's bad. Esther has a sugar intolerance. Ingesting sugar is like poison to her, and you gave her chocolate?"

Agnes was taken aback, having never heard of such an ailment. The thought that a simple treat could endanger a child filled her with dread.

"I truly didn't know," Agnes murmured, her voice trembling with fear and regret.

Dr. Hanson instructed, "Take Esther to my room. I'll need to administer acupuncture and prepare a special concoction for her."

The clinic was abuzz with activity as everyone rallied to help Esther.

Dr. Hanson worked through the night, and as dawn broke, he emerged from his room with the news that Esther was out of danger.

Agnes, who had spent the entire night waiting anxiously outside his door, was overwhelmed with relief and guilt. She resolved to find a way to make amends for her unwitting mistake.