Happiness Never Knocks

...

Daniel froze, unaccustomed to Kimberly's refusal.

She had always bent over backward to accommodate even his most unreasonable requests. But now, her defiance hung in the air, a palpable shift that left him at a loss.

Siena sighed affectedly, "My bad. I'm already a hassle staying here, and now I'm asking for fresh food."

She stood to leave.

Henry clenched his fists and cried out, "You're a bad mom! You can't bully Siena!"

He lunged at Kimberly, his hands striking her arms in a childish tantrum.

Daniel stopped Siena, turning to Kimberly. His eyes flashed with irritation. "You're still mad about this morning? She borrowed my charger, as I told you. Why are you making a big deal out of it?"

Kimberly remained unfazed. "I'm not feeling well. I don't have the energy to cook."

"You're sick?" Henry paused, his anger momentarily forgotten.

Then he covered his mouth with his hands and complained, "Why didn't you say so earlier? What if you get Siena sick? Her health is poor."

He tugged Daniel's sleeve. "Dad, we gotta get Siena some medicine to be safe."

"No need, Henry. I'm okay," Siena chimed in, her tone sweet and reassuring.

But Daniel felt uncertain. He insisted, "Listen to Henry. Don't push yourself. You never get over colds in less than two weeks."

With that, the three held hands and left Kimberly alone with the cold burgers.

It was ironic to no end. They had been living together for five years, yet neither Daniel nor Henry cared about her well-being.

Instead, they rushed to get medicine for someone who was perfectly healthy.

Her appetite gone, Kimberly dumped the burgers and stared into space.

Shortly after, Daniel texted her: [We're at the supermarket. Drive over and pick us up.]

When Kimberly arrived at the place, only Siena and Henry were there standing in front of the ice cream freezer.

"I want ice cream," Henry whined.

Siena pinched his cheek, soft and indulgent. "Anything you like."

Kimberly's brows furrowed, her concern for Henry's health overriding her frustration. She stepped in, saying, "Henry, did you forget what the doctor said? Your stomach can't handle ice cream."

The grin on Henry's face faded instantly, replaced by disappointment and resentment.

Siena waved it off. "Take it easy. It's not a big problem. Let him have it."

"This is my family's business," Kimberly retorted sharply. "You don't need to butt in."

Daniel returned, confused by the standoff.

Siena sobbed, "I just wanted to get Henry ice cream, but Kimberly said no."

Kimberly explained, "The doctor just told us that other snacks are fine, but ice cream waits until he is better."

Daniel, hating to see Siena upset, glared at Kimberly. "The more you do this, the more he'll resent you. Can't you let him have a bite and finish the rest? Siena is just being nice. Why make it a thing?"

Kimberly's heart sank.

To her surprise, Daniel would disregard Henry's health to defend Siena and even mock what mattered to her.

She gave a bitter smile and stopped arguing, realizing that since Siena's return, she'd become the true outsider. No matter her efforts, she could never compare to Siena in their minds.