Carney stood next to James, Little Nina’s child–sized water bottle slung over her shoulder. She watched Little Nina with a warm, doting smile.
They’d arrived early; the playground was still quiet, with only a handful of children scattered about. It was far from bustling.
The carousel began to turn, and Little Nina’s face lit up with delight. Her laughter rang out, infectious and free. Watching her so happy, James couldn’t help but chuckle along.
Carney gave a contented sigh. “Little Nina’s thriving in that old town. Look at those chubby cheeks–she’s plumper than last time we visited.”
“Absolutely,” James agreed, holding up his phone to record a video of Little Nina. “Bryn says the doctor at the clinic–Mr. Ellsworth–is really talented, especially with tricky childhood illnesses. She swears by him.”
Carney nodded. “If Mr. Chadwick personally recommended him, he must be something special.”
“Do you know much about Mr. Ellsworth?” James glanced over at Carney.
Carney shook her head. “I’ve only heard of his mentor, Dr. Calloway. Medicine runs in their family–they’ve been doctors for generations. Calloway’s own son, though, wasn’t interested in following in his footsteps.”
“So that’s why Calloway took on Mr. Ellsworth as his apprentice?”
Carney nodded again. “That’s right. Rumor has it Mr. Ellsworth showed real promise at a young age–Calloway holds him in high regard.”
James frowned thoughtfully. “I’ve met Mr. Ellsworth before. He’s refined, well–spoken–very much the gentleman. Still, there’s something about him that I can’t quite put my finger on…”
Carney arched an eyebrow at him. “Let me guess–you feel threatened because he’s better looking than you?”
James shot her a look. “..”
Carney just grinned and patted his shoulder. “Face it, Little Nina’s got an eye for good–looking people. She’s told both me and Mrs. Winslow how handsome she thinks Mr. Ellsworth is.”
James grumbled, “Well, handsome or not, he’s still just her uncle. I’m her godfather! I know for a fact I’m her favorite.”
Carney chuckled and decided not to burst his bubble.
The carousel kept spinning, cheerful music swirling through the air. Little Nina’s bright, adorable smile was impossible to resist, and James snapped a few quick photos.
Just then, Carol, the nanny, spoke up beside them. “Mario, do you want to go on the carousel?”
Little Mario pointed at the ride, nodding eagerly.
Carol leaned down, coaxing gently, “Can you tell me what you want? Say, ‘I want to go on the carousel.”
But Mario only furrowed his brow, stubbornly pointing at the carousel with his finger, lips pressed into a determined line. He wouldn’t say a word.
Carol’s tone softened, but she remained firm. “Mario, that’s not right. If you want something, you need to use your words. That’s how people know what you need.”
She tried again, encouraging him, “Just try saying, ‘I want to go on the carousel. Take your time–one word at a time, okay?”
Mario shook his head.
With a little sigh, Carol said, “If you can’t say it, we might have to skip the ride today.”
1/2
19:53
་
Chapter 290
At that, Mario frowned deeper and pulled his hand back, his big dark eyes fixed on Carol. She could tell he understood, but he was resisting change.
As a professional nanny, Carol knew how crucial early intervention was for Mario’s withdrawn behavior. The longer it went on, the harder it would be to help him open up.
Just then, the carousel slowed to a stop.
Cha
