Chapter 173


    Chapter 173 Mommy, Uncle Elias Is Bleeding


    As the first light of dawn painted the sky the next day. Elias found himself unable to sleep, keeping a


    vignt watch throughout the night. Yvonne’s mom emerged from her neighboring tent, awakening to


    the sight of him sitting beside the extinguished campfire.


    “Hey, Mr. Winters. Why are you up so early? Did you not get any rest?” she inquired with genuine


    concern. Having received Elias’ assistance in setting up her tent the previous day, she felt a sense of


    gratitude toward him.


    He looked up at the sound of her voice, his countenance unchanged, and responded calmly, “I couldn’t


    sleep. Oh. There might be serpents, ants, mosquitoes, and insects lurking about during the night. I


    suggest you exercise caution and ensure the tent is securely zipped.”


    “Really? This location was selected by the kindergarten, so I presumed there wouldn’t be any creatures


    of that nature…” She suddenly became anxious.


    Just then, Amanda awakened and unzipped her tent, catching sight of Elias engrossed in conversation


    with Yvonne’s mother. Her eyes filled with disdain as she muttered, “Flirting so early in the morning and


    behaving like a peacock unting its feathers. Heartless man…


    Yvonne’s mother was the first to notice Amanda’s presence and courteously nodded and greeted fier,


    “Good morning.”


    “Good morning,” she replied, maintaining a vencer of politeness, although she felt a tinge of


    displeasure.


    She responded with a sweet smile and stepped out of her tent.


    “I must say, you are truly fortunate. Your husband remained outside all night to protect you and the


    children from snakes, ants, and mosquitoes, Yvonne’s mother remarked, finally understanding why


    Elias had forsaken sleep. He had done so to ensure the safety and peace of mind of his wife and child,


    a realization that stirred a sense of envy within her as a single mother.


    Amanda paused,prehending Yvonne’s mother’s sentiment, and cast a nce at the faint dark


    circles beneath Elias’ eyes. With a smile, she uttered a heartfelt thank you.


    Yvonne’s mother proceeded to fetch water for their morning ablutions while Amanda turned her gaze


    toward Elias, weariness etched on her face. “How do you n to apany the children on the


    mountain in this condition? Rest in the tent for a while, and I can take Aiden climbing instead.”


    Her concern centered mainly around the snake bite on Elias’ ankle. Even if the snake had not been


    venomous, the wound must still have been painful. Hiking with only one fully functional leg would


    undoubtedly be arduous.


    However, he furrowed his brow and replied, “No, I must apany you.”


    The ascent up the mountain held its dangers, and should an unforeseen event ur, he needed to be


    by their side at all times. He could not afford to be absent once again.


    “Are you sure your injury will permit hiking?” She nced at his wounded ankle.


    “It’s nothing serious. It has already scabbed over. I tended to itst night. Just a minor inconvenience,”


    he assured her.


    “Suit yourself,” she relented. She contemted saying more but thought better of it, choosing to turn


    and collect water, preparing to rouse Aiden.


    As Amanda walked away, Elias cast a downward gaze at his injured ankle. In truth, the snake had


    delivered a rather deep bite, and he had not properly tended to the wound.


    Yet, he was determined to apany her and Aiden on their mountain trek.


    After breakfast, the kindergarten organized a hiking trip for everyone. As they were all children, the trail


    they followed was not perilous, allowing them to enjoy a gentle immersion in nature. With Elias’ injured.


    ankle, each step he took felt like treading on a knife’s edge. Nevertheless, he silently trailed behind.


    Amanda and Aiden.


    “Mommy, look! A butterfly! It’s so beautiful!” Aiden eximed, pointing at a delicate blue butterfly


    gracefully fluttering through the air.


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    She followed the direction indicated by her son’s tiny hand and spotted the marvelous creature. It had


    been quite some time since she hadst seen such beauty.


    Meanwhile, Elias settled on a nearby boulder, maintaining an outward appearance of tranquility.


    However, his wound had reopened slightly due to the strain of walking, and fresh blood began to trickle


    forth.


    Aiden turned back to him, brimming with happiness, and pleaded, “Uncle Elias, catch the butterfly for


    me! I want to catch one too!”


    Just as he was about to rise and fulfill the child’s request. Aiden’s innocent eyes caught sight of the


    blood staining Elias’ ankle, a few droplets marking the ground.


    The kid was startled by the sight, fear gripping his heart as his adorable voice tinged with panic.


    “Mommy,” Uncle Elias is bleeding! It’s blood…”


    Amanda instinctively looked toward Elias’ ankle and witnessed the seeping blood, which left its mark on


    the ground. Worry instantly took hold of her. Is the wound reopened?


    Elias stood up, his tall figure andrge hand gently patting his son’s head tofort him. “It’s fine. I


    identally scraped it just now.”


    “Does it hurt?” Aiden asked, tilting his head.


    “Not at all. Men shouldn’t cry out in pain.


    Amanda retorted coldly, “Can you not instill such thoughts in him? What do you mean men shouldn’t


    cry out in pain? Are men not human? Pain is pain.


    He remained silent.


    She crouched and patiently exined to her son, “Aiden, Uncle Elias hurt his foot. Let’s go back to the


    city and take him to the hospital to have the wound treated, alright? We can go camping again when


    we get another chance, okay?”


    Although Aiden initially resisted, the sight of bloodstains on the ground softened his heart, and he


    obediently nodded.


    “Good boy. Next time, we’ll take you to an even more exciting camping spot, and you can even try


    fishing.” she assured, hugging her son. Once again, she was moved by his thoughtfulness.


    She could tell he did not want to leave, but seeing Elias bleeding scared him.


    Thus, she informed the teacher before they left early, returning to the city.


    Upon arriving at the hospital, a sense of relief washed over Amanda as the doctor tended to Elias’


    wound, assuring her that it was not a severe issue.


    “The wound became infected due to dyed treatment, likely from bacteria in the wilderness. There’s


    some pus, but now that we have treated the wound, all you need is to rest and avoid excessive


    walking. Remember not to consume seafood or alcohol…” The doctor provided instructions while


    Amanda. attentively jotted down notes.


    However, Elias appeared indifferent as he yed with Aiden, their bond resembling that of a loving


    father and son, especially due to their striking resemnce.


    “Alright, let’s go home and rest. Did you hear what the doctor said? Don’t exert yourself, and take it


    easy. Otherwise, the wound may reopen,” Amanda nagged, her concern evident.


    Yet, he merely responded with a faint hum..


    Just as she was about to send him home, the sound of Howard shuffling with a cane reached their


    ears, emanating from the corridor. “You mischievous rascal, what trouble have you gotten into now?


    Did a snake bite you again?” he bellowed as he entered the room, but his expression swiftly changed


    upon catching sight of Amanda and Aiden.


    “Oh, Amanda, you’re here too! Oh my, my adorable great-grandson is here as well,” he eximed, a


    wide smile spreading across his face. He approached, gently sping the chubby little hand of the


    child, unable to resist the affection that welled up within him.