January 1st, 1982 (Friday)

Robert woke up around 10am, took a shower, got dressed and went downstairs. Regina would still sleep for a long time, for sure.

He found Walter in the TV room having breakfast. He smiled and greeted Robert with a hug. Sonia walked in the room carrying a tray with bread and juice.

─ I heard the shower and I thought it was you. Regina wouldn't wake up so early, Sonia said.

Robert thanked her for her kindness and asked for Andrea. Sonia told him that she was still sleeping. Just like her mother, he thought.

While having breakfast, Robert decided to enjoy the opportunity of being alone with his father-in-law and bring up his plans about the society.

─ Sir, I've been thinking about a proposal I wanted to make to you and, just so you know, it's completely ok if you say no. Walter turned off the TV and directed his attention to Robert, who continued.

─ I have some savings, besides some percentage on the farm's income. I was wondering if you could sell me some of your stocks from the hospital. It could be 2% or 3%.

Walter smiled. The idea had already crossed his mind too and, recently, a great opportunity had come up.

─ One of the major partners wants to sell part of his stocks, about 30% from his share, and he offered them to me, since we have been friends for such a long time. I don't know how much money you've got, but we could buy them together. I'm certain that with my endorsement, the other partners won't have a problem with you on the society.

Robert felt excited and they talked about money. They decided to meet with the sales partner next week.

At noon, Regina showed up still looking sleepy, wearing shorts, a t-shirt and barefoot. She kissed Robert and her parents and asked for her daughter. Sonia asked her to go and wake Andrea up. Regina thought it was weird and ran up to the girl's room. When she approached Andrea, she noticed that her daughter was having trouble breathing and was feverish. She left the room running.

─ Bert, get up here fast, please! It's Andrea.

─ I'm on the way, Re. What happened to Andrea?

He examined her and noticed she had a throat inflammation and, it would be better to take her to the hospital. Andrea couldn't even say anything because of all the pain. She was exhausted. Robert went to Regina's room, grabbed his ID and his car keys. Then he grabbed Andrea on his arms and ran downstairs, followed by Regina.

Walter and Sonia also went to the hospital to support their granddaughter.

Regina went in the back seat with Andrea on her lap and her mother next to her. Walter sat on the front seat, while Robert drove fast to the hospital.

When they arrived, they were soon attended. Robert left Regina and her parents in the waiting room and carried Andrea to the ER. Her fever had risen drastically, and she could have seizures.

Andrea was medicated and did plenty of exams. When things were calmer, Robert went to see Regina, who was anxious without news from her daughter. He hugged her and told her Andrea had tonsillitis. She had already taken an antibiotic and would have to continue taking it for a couple of days, even if the symptoms got better. She also took some painkillers and anti-thermals so she would feel better.

─ Andrea is resting and she'll go to the room soon. She will have to hospitalized. Has she ever had tonsillitis before?

─ No, this is the first time. How did this happen?

─ It usually happens orally, sharing cups or silverware. The contagion can also happen through air or maybe she touched some contaminated place and put her hand on her mouth. You can relax, it's nothing serious, just painful and uncomfortable. She will be ok.

After Andrea was already in the room, they all went there to see her. Regina had teary eyes when she came close to the bed and hugged her daughter. Andrea smiled at her.

─ Don't worry, mom. Daddy is taking care of me.

Regina was emotional. She was in the hospital for the entire time Andrea was hospitalized and suffered with her daughter's treatment. She cried along with her through every injection.

A couple of days later, Andrea was feeling much better and she was discharged. They arrived home just in time for lunch. Robert carried Andrea to her room. She was with her head rested on his shoulder. She didn't have any fever anymore but was still very tired. He read her stories until she fell asleep. Only then he went downstairs for lunch. At night, when it was time for her antibiotics, Andrea started crying. Robert told her a story about heroines who could overcome any pain to save the world and she took her injection without complaining. Regina was shocked to see how well he could deal with children. On the next few days, the situation repeated itself and Andrea was proud to be a hero.

─ Mommy, when daddy gives me the injection, it doesn't hurt at all. When you must take them too, let him take care of you.

─ Alright, my heroin. I'll follow your advice. Regina was smiling again once she saw how healthy her daughter was. 

Her love for Robert couldn't fit in her heart.