Chapter 6

After checking on Gino, Wilbur reassured everyone, "It's not a big deal. Just use an ice pack and he'll be fine. Since Gino is taking medication for his nasal condition, I won't prescribe any medication now." Wilbur frowned when he noticed Mildred holding a hot pack. "Don't use a hot compress right after a bump. It can make the swelling worse by increasing blood flow. "Start with a cold compress immediately after the injury, and after 24 hours, you can switch to a hot compress and gently massage the area to reduce swelling and bruising. "But remember, you must wait at least 24 hours before using a hot compress." Mildred felt embarrassed and shot Hera a nasty look. She couldn't believe Hera, someone from the countryside, knew about medical care. Mildred chalked it up to luck. She shoved the hot pack into Judy's hand and commanded, "Why are you still standing there? Go get some ice." Mildred's demeanor suggested she wasn't the least bit embarrassed. Meanwhile, Gino glared at Hera with teary eyes. His resentful gaze seemed to hold her responsible for everything despite her efforts to help him earlier. Hera remained silent. After Wilbur departed, Lilith gently placed an ice pack on Gino's forehead. She whispered, "Hera, how did you know Gino needed a cold compress?" "The roads up in the mountains are pretty bumpy, and when I was younger, I often ran into things. Whenever that happened, Grandma Catherine would soothe my bumps with cold packs," Hera explained. She cast her eyes downward. Her eyelashes were notably thick and long. Even though she spoke softly, her words were audible to everyone in the room. Mildred had assumed that Hera possessed medical knowledge, only to realize she couldn't afford professional healthcare and relied on home remedies instead. "I'm sorry for what you've been through, Hera," Lilith said as she took Hera's hand. Whenever Lilith thought about Hera's struggles with affording doctors and resorting to home remedies when injured, she couldn't help but feel sympathy. Hera stayed quiet. Mildred scoffed. "So, you pushed your own brother just to show off your rustic home remedies?" "I didn't push him," Hera replied calmly. "You didn't? Gino wouldn't be in this situation if it weren't for you pushing him. Do you think I'm foolish, or do you think Gino is?" Hera chose not to engage in an argument. Lilith weakly defended Hera, saying, "Mom, Hera didn't push Gino. It was an accident. He tripped and hit the foot of the bed." Mildred fixed Lilith with a stern gaze. "Now you're taking sides because Hera is your biological daughter. Isn't Gino your own son?" Lilith furrowed her brows. "Mom, let's stick to what actually happened—" Mildred cut in sharply, "What really happened is Gino got hurt but Hera didn't! Could she handle the responsibility if Gino had suffered a serious head injury? "Plus, that room was supposed to be Gino's study. You changed it to a bedroom without consulting anyone. Where will Gino study now? Change it back immediately! "Gino is about to enter first grade. He's just as bright as Gideon and could easily make it into the top ten of the grade. We can't let him go without a proper study room!" Mildred spoke with a note of pride in her voice. Gideon had always been exceptionally bright. He graduated from college at 20 and ventured abroad to kick-start his own business. While Mildred took great pride in Gideon's achievements, she also held Giselle in high regard. Although not a member of the Everett family, Mildred had watched Giselle grow up since she was young. Giselle was docile, performed exceptionally well in academics, and notably, she was engaged to Zyler. Every positive trait of Giselle seemed to overshadow Hera, who had been raised in the countryside. Despite Hera being biologically related to the Everetts, she was considered insignificant. "Then, where will Hera stay?" Lilith looked troubled. "We've already put Hera in a compromising position regarding her reputation. We can't treat her poorly in terms of accommodations as well." "How have we treated her poorly?" Mildred asked with a hint of amusement. "Both guest rooms on the first floor are much nicer than her mountain shack, right? She's got a roof over her head, so why be so picky?" Lilith parted her lips as if to reply but then hesitated. Mildred was always assertive. If Lilith hadn't given birth to two sons for the Everetts and if Gideon hadn't shown early brilliance and promise, she might have faced pressure from Mildred to get a divorce. Lilith found it difficult to argue with Mildred. The idea of Hera enduring 17 years of hardship only to still not be fully accepted back home weighed heavily on Lilith's conscience. Suddenly, Hera tugged at Lilith's sleeve and turned to Mildred. "If I make it into the top ten of my grade, will I get a nice room and my own study?"