“You’re right. I’ll think about it,” the old Mr. Nacht said, nodding in agreement.
“Can you help me move my sister to this room too? It’s easier for me to look after the both of them here,” Robbie requested, only for a few nurses to appear at the door just seconds later with his sleeping sister in tow.
“That’s already settled,” the old Mr. Nacht said. “Anything else?”
Robbie lowered his gaze and thought about it for a moment before answering, “That’s it for now.”
“Alright then, it’s my turn now,” the old Mr. Nacht said with a grin. “Can you help me?”
“Help you?” Robbie asked as curiosity got the better of him.
The old Mr. Nacht pointed at the basket sitting on the table and said, “My family sent me lots of food, but I don’t really have much of an appetite. Can you help me finish them? I don’t want to waste food, after all.”
As he spoke, Spencer walked over to the table and unpacked the lunch boxes.
The aroma of the food hit Robbie’s nostrils the moment Spencer uncovered the basket, and he watched with starry eyes as all the dishes appeared on the table in seconds.
Robbie’s stomach growled at the sight of the food as he struggled to move his gaze away.
“That’s a lot of food,” the old Mr. Nacht said with an exasperated sigh. “Oh dear, looks like you can’t finish it by yourself. I wish your siblings were here!”
“They’re still sleeping,” Robbie said before he was cut off by Ellie’s cries. “Mommy! Mommy!”
“Ellie!” he shouted, rushing over to Ellie’s side and patting her shoulder gently. “Don’t worry, Ellie, I’m here!”
“Robbie!” Ellie cried, burying her face in Robbie’s chest. “I miss Mommy!”
“Don’t be scared, Mommy’s coming soon!” Robbie said, wiping her tears away. “Are you hungry? Do you want some food?”
“Yeah, I’m hungry,” Ellie answered, licking her lips.
“Give me a second,” Robbie said as he helped Ellie up into a sitting position. He walked back to the old Mr. Nacht’s side and bowed to him. “Thank you, Grandpa Nacht!”
“No need to thank me!” the old Mr. Nacht said hurriedly. “You’re doing me a favor here.”
“No matter what, we’re still eating food that was meant for you,” Robbie said, raising his head to meet the old Mr. Nacht’s eyes. “When my Mommy and Mrs. Berry are here, I’ll ask them to cook twice the amount for you. Mrs. Berry’s food is really good!”
“Alright, we have a pact!” the old Mr. Nacht said, touched by Robbie’s compassion.
“Pinkie promise!” Robbie said, sticking out his pinkie finger.
The old Mr. Nacht bent over and made a pinkie promise with Robbie while sporting a wide grin on his face. This is probably the only childish thing this kid did tonight!
“Alright, eat up!” the older Mr. Nacht said, pushing Robbie over to the table. “Your sister is starving!”
Robbie nodded and hurried over to set the table. A nurse rushed over and offered to help, and he accepted her offer gratefully.
“Thank you!” he said before heading to the bathroom to wash his hands.
When he returned, the nurse had already moved the dishes to Ellie’s overbed table and moved a chair over for Robbie to sit on. She took out an alcohol wipe and helped Robbie clean his hands a second time.
“Alright, let’s eat!” Robbie said, picking up a bowl of oatmeal. “I’ll feed you, Ellie.”
“I can eat it myself,” Ellie said, rubbing her swollen eyes. “You should eat too, Robbie. I can hear your stomach grumbling.”
Robbie chuckled and rubbed his belly with a sheepish smile.
“Thank you, Grandpa Nacht!” Ellie said, bowing her head. “Mommy always talks about how good people will get good karma, and you’ll be one of them!”
