Chapter 12

"Go now," Hope said to her son, her lips baring a weak smile as she stroked the top of his palm with her fingers.

Jared groaned, shaking his head at her as he stared at her. Pain laced his eyes as he stroked back her fingers, wishing he could take away her pain as he could feel it.

"Mom, I can stay at home for today."

She snorted. "It's just the flu. I will be fine. Go now, son, before you get infected as well."

Jared snorted and replied with a shake of his head, unable to tell her that her fears were invalid and he could never be afflicted by human diseases.

He placed his palm over her head and winced. She was burning up.

"I can't leave you like this, Mom. I will stay at home for today."

She snorted, a smile playing on her lips at how stubborn he was. He was just like his father.

"I have called your father. He will be here soon, so you can go to school, Jared." She said, a low cough accompanying her words, and winced.

"Okay," he