While Debbie was feeding Piggy, Ivan picked up a feeding bottle and adeptly mixed up some formula. He measured the powder and scooped it in, leveling off each scoop. Then he sealed the bottle with a ring and cap. Humming to himself, he tapped the bottle gently on the table to let powder fall into the water. Finally, he shook it vigorously and put it in the bottle warmer.

Over the past couple years, he had tons of practice. Though he was single, he knew very well how to take care of a baby.

Three minutes was all it took to warm that bottle up. He dropped some on his wrist to test that it was safe for baby, then handed Debbie the bottle. Piggy grabbed the bottle with both hands and said politely,

“Thanks, Daddy Ivan."

He stroked her head and smiled, "No problem, little Piggy

Debbie was scooping the porridge into her mouth hungrily when she suddenly realized something.

"Oh God. I'm sorry. Have you eaten?" She held up the container.

“Wanna share?" she said, mouth still thick, having just swallowed a mouthful.

He wiped his hands with a wet napkin.

“Nah. I already ate. Just eat.”

“Okay.”

After mother and daughter were finished, Ivan went to see Piggy's attending doctor. The doctor said Piggy was quite well and her temperature had normalized. She needed a half-day observation and she could be released, providing everything went well. Ivan told Debbie the news and left the hospital.

As soon as he left, Ruby rushed to the hospital. When she saw Piggy, she ran over to her, held her in her arms and coaxed, "Piggy honey, I'm so sorry. I woke up late. Are you better now?"

Piggy raised the toy in her hand.

"Uh huh. Look, toy!"

Piggy was not as childish and carefree as other kids at her age. Maybe because Debbie was serious and driven.

Evelyn seldom Laughed. When she was around strangers, she didn't Laugh, nor did she speak. People joked that she was an ice princess.

But when she was around family and friends, she was still a cute and innocent girl.

Debbie had once wondered if Piggy had a split personality. It was normal for an adult to be quiet around strangers. But Piggy was just a

2-year-old kid.

Debbie had once taken Piggy to the hospital to have her checked out

The results showed that she was very healthy. Mental illness was difficult to diagnose in an infant, but other than her silence around strangers, she was normal in every respect.

Debbie thought maybe Piggy was like her and Carlos. She was cheerful and bubbly around family and friends just like Debbie. And she was quiet and withdrawn around strangers... just like her father.

Ruby pinched her little face and said, "Good girl. Keep playing with your toy. Your mom and I have to talk about work."

Piggy nodded and went back to playing by herself.