Grace had gone to her small room, trying to rest after a long day. She lay on her bed, closing her eyes for a moment, letting the quiet of the night calm her.
Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door.
"Grace…" a weak, small voice called.
Grace's eyes shot open. She recognized the voice immediately.
"Felicity?" she whispered, rising quickly. "What is it?"
The little girl's voice trembled.
"My head… it hurts so much… I don't feel good," Felicity said, her small hand tapping nervously on the door.
Grace hurried to open the door and found Felicity standing there, looking pale and shaky. Without hesitation, Grace took her into her arms.
"Come on, let's get you comfortable," she said softly, leading her to on bed
Felicity leaned against Grace, her small body shivering. Grace gave her water and gently rubbed her back, trying to ease the pain.
I won't leave you alone tonight, Grace thought, holding her close.
Felicity trembled in Grace's arms. Her face was hot, and sweat ran down her forehead.
"I… I feel so sick…" Felicity whispered, her voice weak.
Suddenly, she vomited into the bowl Grace had quickly brought. Her little body shook with each retch.
Grace held her gently, rubbing her back and whispering softly,
"It's okay, it's okay… I'm here. Don't be afraid."
Felicity's eyes were watery, and she let out soft moans as the fever made her restless. She shivered violently despite the blankets.
Grace tried to cool her forehead with a wet cloth and gave her small sips of water.
"Stay with me, Felicity. I won't leave you," Grace murmured, her heart aching.
The night felt endless as Felicity continued to vomit and burn with fever. Grace stayed close, whispering comforting words, never letting go.
Grace carefully walked to Victoria's room and knocked gently on the door.
"Madam …" she said softly, trying to stay calm. "Felicity… her condition is getting worse. She has a high fever and she keeps vomiting. You should come and see her."
Victoria opened the door slowly, looking at Grace with a sharp, cold expression.
"She's fine," Victoria replied quickly, her tone harsh. "Stop exaggerating. Children get sick sometimes, it's nothing serious."
Grace's heart tightened, but she stood her ground.
"Madam, I'm serious. She's very weak. Please… come and help her," she insisted quietly but firmly.
Victoria hesitated for a moment, her face unreadable. Then she finally followed Grace toward her room, still maintaining her cold composure.
Victoria looked surprised at Felicity, her face cold and stern.
"Why is she in your room this time ? What is she doing here ? she's just pretending. She's not really sick," Victoria said sharply, her tone full of doubt.
Grace's eyes widened in disbelief.
"How can she be pretending when her whole body is burning with fever? She's really sick. We have to take her to the hospital," Grace said firmly, her voice shaking with concern.
Victoria's eyes flashed with anger.
"And who do you think you are, Grace? You're just a worker in this house. Don't try to teach me what to do in my house!"
Grace clenched her fists but stayed calm, her heart pounding.
"I'm not trying to argue… I'm only thinking about Felicity. She needs help, and we can't wait any longer," she said softly but firmly.
Victoria crossed her arms, her face hard. She hesitated, looking at the little girl shivering on the bed. For a moment, there was silence, heavy and tense, as both women stared at each other.
Victoria shook her head, her eyes hard.
"I don't care if she dies. Let her die," she said sharply, her voice cold and cruel.
Grace's eyes widened in shock.
"Why would you say that to a child? This is your daughter… your own child!" she cried, her voice trembling with anger and disbelief.
Victoria's expression didn't change. She looked at Grace coldly.
"That's none of your business," she said shortly. Then she turned and walked back to her room, slamming the door behind her.
Grace stood there for a moment, stunned and hurt. She looked at Felicity, who was shivering and weak on the bed. Her heart ached.
I can't just stand here. She needs help now, Grace thought, her mind racing.
"Shh… it's okay, Felicity. I'm here," Grace whispered softly, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead.
She soaked a clean cloth in cool water and pressed it gently against Felicity's hot forehead.
"This will help you feel a little better," Grace said softly.
Felicity's small hands weakly held onto Grace's arm. She shivered, her body burning with fever.
Grace went to the cabinet and got some Panadol. She carefully gave her the correct dose, speaking softly all the while.
"Take this, it will help the fever. You'll feel better soon," she said kindly.
Felicity closed her eyes and leaned against Grace. The little warmth of Grace's care comforted her, and she relaxed slightly for the first time that night.
Grace sat beside her, keeping a gentle hand on her back, whispering soothing words.
I won't leave you alone. You'll be okay, little one, she thought, her heart full of worry and determination.