Chapter 7: Leaving the Cold Behind
Clara shook her head frantically at his sudden declaration.
"You cannot just barge in here and take control of our lives."
She argued, her voice rising slightly in panic.
"We have a routine here, and I cannot just leave my job."
Max took a deep, calming breath to control his overwhelming emotions.
"You are working yourself to the bone and living in a freezing apartment."
He pointed out gently but firmly.
"Lily needs a warm bed, proper medicine, and a real home."
Before Clara could formulate another defense, a soft cough interrupted them.
Lily stirred on the worn sofa and rubbed her sleepy eyes.
"Mommy?"
The little girl called out with a raspy voice.
Clara immediately rushed to her daughter's side and knelt down.
"I am right here, sweetheart."
She whispered while brushing the hair from Lily's warm forehead.
Max approached slowly, his heart aching at the sight of his sick child.
He crouched down beside Clara, completely ignoring his expensive suit on the dirty floor.
"How are you feeling, Lily?"
Max asked with a tenderness Clara had never heard from him before.
Lily looked at him with sleepy, curious eyes.
"My throat hurts a little bit, Max."
She answered honestly, clutching her thin blanket tightly.
Max looked over at Clara with a silent, pleading expression.
"Let me take care of my family, Clara."
He whispered so only she could hear the absolute sincerity in his voice.
Clara looked at her shivering daughter and then at the broken heater.
Her fierce pride finally crumbled under the crushing weight of a mother's love.
"Okay."
Clara conceded softly, tears spilling down her cheeks once more.
"We will go with you tonight."
Max exhaled a long breath of pure relief.
"Pack whatever you need, and leave the rest behind."
May you like
He instructed as he stood up to give her some space.
"I will replace everything you both need."
