The morning was quiet as everyone got ready for Malachi's doctor's appointment. The air in the house felt different-heavier. Roman had been dreading this day, even though he knew it was necessary.

Malachi, however, was his usual bright self, kicking his legs at the breakfast table as he munched on a piece of toast. "Do you think they'll let me pick a sticker after?" he asked, looking at Isabella.

She smiled gently. "I'm sure they will, baby."

Roman ruffled his son's curls. "Maybe even two if you're extra brave."

Malachi grinned, but Joelle wasn't smiling. She sat quietly, stirring her cereal without eating much. Roman knew the doctor visits were hard on her, too.

"You don't have to come if you don't want to," Isabella told her softly. "I know it's a lot."

Joelle shook her head. "I want to go."

Roman reached across the table, giving her hand a quick squeeze. "Then we'll go together."

-

The drive to the children's hospital in Pensacola was quiet. Malachi hummed along to the music playing softly on the radio, but Joelle kept her gaze out the window, her arms wrapped around herself.

Roman reached over, resting a comforting hand on her knee for a moment. "Hey," he said gently. "We got this, alright?"

Joelle just nodded, but she didn't look at him.

When they arrived, Malachi held onto Isabella's hand while Roman checked in at the front desk. The waiting room was filled with other families, some with kids playing in the corner, others with parents looking just as exhausted as Roman felt.

"Malachi Reigns?" a nurse called after a few minutes.

Malachi hopped up, gripping Roman's hand as they followed the nurse down the hall.

-

The check-up started like any other-height, weight, temperature. But then came the bloodwork, the part that always made Malachi nervous.

"I don't wanna," Malachi mumbled, gripping Roman's sleeve tightly as the nurse prepped the needle.

"I know, buddy," Roman said, crouching down beside him. "But remember, you're my strong little warrior, right?"

Malachi swallowed hard, nodding.

Joelle stood against the wall, her arms still wrapped around herself, watching with wide eyes. Isabella moved to her side, rubbing her back gently.

"You don't have to watch, mija," she whispered.

Joelle shook her head. "He needs me here."

Roman gave her a proud look before turning back to Malachi. "Okay, buddy. Close your eyes, squeeze my hand, and count to ten."

Malachi buried his face in Roman's chest, gripping his hand as the nurse did her job. By the time he reached seven, it was over.

"All done," the nurse said cheerfully.

Malachi peeked up, blinking. "That's it?"

"That's it," Roman confirmed, brushing his fingers through his son's curls.

Malachi beamed. "See, Jojo? I was super brave!"

Joelle managed a small smile. "Yeah, you were."

The nurse handed Malachi a sticker sheet, letting him pick his favorites. He proudly showed them off as they waited for the doctor.

-

The oncologist, Dr. Patel, arrived shortly after, her expression warm but professional. She greeted Malachi first, making him giggle by asking about his superhero pajamas.

Then, she turned to Roman and Isabella. "His latest tests show some good signs-his body is responding well to treatment so far."

Roman exhaled, feeling a weight lift. "That's great news, right?"

Dr. Patel nodded but kept her tone measured. "Yes, but we're still in the early stages. We'll continue monitoring him closely."

Isabella's hand found Roman's, squeezing tightly. "What's next?"

"We'll stick to the treatment plan and keep an eye on his blood counts. If things stay stable, we won't need to adjust anything right now."

Roman nodded. He knew it wasn't a cure, but it was something. Hope.

Malachi, meanwhile, was distracted with his stickers, completely unaware of the depth of the conversation happening around him.

Joelle, on the other hand, looked like she wanted to disappear into the floor.

"Joelle?" Dr. Patel addressed her gently. "Do you have any questions?"

Joelle hesitated before shaking her head. "No... I just want him to be okay."

Dr. Patel gave her a warm smile. "That's what we all want."

-

The ride home was quiet, but this time, it wasn't just from nerves-it was exhaustion.

Malachi was asleep before they even hit the highway, his small body curled up in the back seat.

Joelle sat beside him, staring out the window. After a few moments, she murmured, "He really is okay for now?"

Roman glanced at her in the rearview mirror. "Yeah, baby. He is."

Joelle let out a shaky breath. "Good."

Isabella reached back, gently running her fingers through Joelle's hair. For the first time that day, she leaned into her mother's touch.

Roman reached over, intertwining his fingers with Isabella's for just a moment.

Today had been hard.

But they were facing it together.