Milo’s lips wobbled like he wanted to protest. He even opened his mouth to argue that he never ate medicine, that it was too big, that it would taste awful but when his eyes met Ruby’s, he fell silent. He saw how her smile looked stretched thin, how her gaze shimmered with tired love and unspoken fears she tried so hard to bury behind that calm face.
So instead of whining more, Milo shut his mouth, looked down at the capsule in his hand, then back at her. He drew in a tiny breath and gave her a tiny nod, pushing his palm toward her as if hoping she’d make it less scary somehow.
Ruby chuckled softly, leaning forward to kiss his temple. "Good ghost," she murmured.
And Milo just held the bitter pill in his hand, staring at it like it was a dragon he had to fight.. for himself, but mostly for her.
Milo scrunched up his nose, squeezed his eyes shut tight and with one big gulp, he swallowed the bitter pill. It slid down like a rock, and he made a little squeaky sound, grabbing the water Ruby held out for him at the last second. He drank it all in a rush, then stuck out his tongue dramatically, as if to prove the medicine had left its terrible taste behind.
But before he could start pouting again, he heard it that soft, genuine sound that always made his heart flutter. Ruby’s small laugh, spilling past her lips like sunlight after days of rain. A big smile bloomed on her tired face, her eyes shining with pride. She leaned over, brushed his hair from his forehead, and kissed him gently on the cheek. "Good ghost," she said, voice warm with all the love she’d been holding in.
Then, like she’d just remembered a secret, Ruby turned and walked to the little side table by the window. She moved aside her big bag, tugged out a smaller, hidden bag she’d tucked behind it like some precious treasure. Milo blinked, curiosity written all over his wide, doe-like eyes.
"What’s that?" he asked, tilting his head as she brought the bag over.
Ruby only smiled, her finger pressed playfully to her lips before she handed it to him. "A reward," she said softly. "For being brave."
Milo’s hands trembled a bit as he tugged the bag open. The moment the inside peeked into view, his eyes went so wide they looked like polished marbles in the soft hospital light. Inside, nestled carefully in wax paper, sat a whole chocolate pastry.
The golden-brown pastry was puffed up light and airy, dusted with a delicate layer of sweet powdered sugar that stuck to the edges of the bag.
The real star was the thick swirl of rich chocolate cream that peeked out where it had been piped inside — glossy and dark like melted velvet, with tiny chocolate sprinkles scattered generously on top, glistening like gems under the light. Just seeing it, you could almost taste how it would melt on your tongue — a rush of silky chocolate and sweet cream, balanced by the buttery flakiness of the pastry itself.
Milo’s mouth parted in disbelief. He looked up at Ruby, eyes sparkling, cheeks puffing out as his shy grin turned into a giggle. "Wife... for me?" he whispered, like he’d been handed the crown jewels.
"For you," Ruby said, her voice sweet as she ruffled his hair again. "Only for you — my brave ghost who swallowed that big, scary medicine."
Milo let out a tiny squeal, hugging the pastry bag to his chest for a second before he pulled out a piece and took his first bite. The moment the chocolate hit his tongue, his shoulders relaxed, his whole face glowing with pure, innocent delight like every bitter taste from before had been replaced with something sweeter.
Before Milo even knew it, the last crumb had disappeared into his mouth. He licked his lips, chasing the taste of sweet chocolate that still clung to the corners. His eyes were round and bright, cheeks flushed with shy delight. "Tasty," he murmured, his voice soft but so full of glee it made Ruby’s tired chest feel warm for the first time that day. For a few precious moments, he’d forgotten the dull ache in his chest, the scar hidden under the blanket — all of it replaced by that simple sweetness.
"Now take rest," Ruby said, her voice gentle as she brushed a chocolate crumb from the corner of his lips with her thumb. She tugged the blanket up around his shoulders, smoothing it over his body, careful not to press too hard against the healing wound beneath. Milo’s lashes fluttered, his eyelids heavy, but those starry eyes of his still clung to her face, drinking in every second.
She stood to leave, stepping back toward the chair where she’d left her bag, but before she could take another step, she felt a tug at her hand. She turned, brows arched, catching sight of his fingers wrapped tight around hers.
"Wife..." Milo’s voice was soft, a little sleepy, but his eyes glowed with that innocent, selfish hope that made her want to kiss him all over again.
He puffed out his cheeks and gave her the tiniest pout.
"I want more..." he whispered, blinking up at her. "I want big cake."
Ruby’s tired laugh bubbled out, echoing softly through the quiet room. She leaned back down, cupping his cheek in her warm hand, her thumb tracing the edge of his ear. "A big cake?" she teased, her eyes twinkling at him.
Milo nodded, eyes half-closed now, a blissful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Big one. With lots of choclatay..." he mumbled, the last word tumbling into a dreamy sigh.
Ruby pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, her lips lingering there for a moment as she closed her eyes. This boy, she thought, is worth everything. When she pulled back, she brushed her thumb across his cheek once more. "Sure," she whispered with a warm chuckle. "Rest well first — and when you’re strong enough, I’ll get you the biggest, sweetest cake you’ve ever seen."
Milo’s fingers loosened around her hand, his eyelids finally dropping shut.
—To be continued...🪄