Accidentally become a father-Chapter 69: Efficient Search

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Today was going to be a long day.

I didn’t move for a few seconds.

Watched her breathing pattern.

Still heavy.

But stable.

No coughing.

No strange noises from her throat.

Just heat.

A fever.

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I stood up.

Picked up my phone from the small table.

Opened the browser.

Typed.

"child fever 38.7 what to do"

Several results came up.

I tapped the top one.

Scrolled.

Read.

The gist was simple.

Rest.

Fluids.

Monitor temperature.

Cold compresses.

Medication if necessary.

I looked back toward the futon.

Yuna wasn’t moving.

I walked back over.

Sat down in the same spot.

I touched the cloth on her forehead.

Still cool.

Not dry yet.

Good.

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"...Papa..."

Her voice was even fainter than before.

Her eyes didn’t open.

"Hm."

"...I’m sorry..."

I took the cloth.

Rewet it in the small basin I had brought over.

Placed it back on her forehead.

"Stop that."

She fell silent.

No response.

But her shoulders slumped a little.

As if letting go of something.

I stood up again.

Headed to the kitchen.

Opened the fridge.

The usual contents.

Eggs.

Water.

A few vegetables.

No suitable ready-to-eat meals.

I thought for a few seconds.

Then grabbed a small pot.

Turned on the stove.

Filled it with water.

Added some leftover rice from last night.

A simple porridge.

The most efficient option.

---

While waiting, I checked my phone again.

Scrolled some more.

"child fever danger signs"

A list popped up.

seizures

unconsciousness

refusing to drink at all

rapid breathing

I looked toward the futon.

None of the above.

Safe.

For now.

---

The water began to boil.

I stirred slowly.

Breaking down the rice.

Added a pinch of salt.

That was enough.

No need for flavor.

Primary function: easy to swallow.

I turned off the stove.

Poured it into a small bowl.

Let it cool for a moment.

Then carried it over to the futon.

I sat back down.

"...Yuna."

Her eyes opened a little.

Slowly.

Unfocused.

"Time for breakfast."

She didn’t respond immediately.

As if she needed time to process the words.

"...not hungry..."

"You have to."

I picked up the spoon.

Brought it closer.

She stared at the spoon for a few seconds.

Then tried to sit up again.

Her body wobbled.

I steadied her shoulder.

---

"Stay still."

"...I can do it..."

I lifted her back slightly.

Let her lean against my arm.

It wasn’t the most stable position.

But it was enough.

I brought the spoon up again.

She slowly opened her mouth.

And swallowed.

Her movements were sluggish.

It took time.

I was in no rush.

Another spoonful.

She stopped halfway.

Closed her mouth.

Her brows furrowed slightly.

"...I’m..."

"Just a little more."

She shook her head weakly.

I stopped.

Looked at her for a few seconds.

It made sense.

I lowered the spoon.

"Drink this."

She didn’t answer.

Just took a few sips.

---

Her eyes were already fluttering shut.

Her body went limp against my arm.

I supported her weight for a few seconds.

Then slowly laid her back down.

Pulled the blanket up to her neck.

Her hand slipped out.

Resting outside the blanket.

I stared at it.

For a few seconds.

Then tucked her hand back inside.

Wrapped the blanket tightly around her.

Heat efficiency.

---

I sat back down beside her.

Phone in hand.

Opened another tab.

"how long does normal child fever last"

Answer: 1–3 days.

I checked the clock again.

06:48.

Still early.

Very early.

I set the phone down beside me.

Stared at the ceiling for a moment.

Then looked back at Yuna.

The cloth on her forehead was getting warm.

I took it off.

Rewet it.

Placed it back.

She didn’t react this time.

Only the sound of her breathing could be heard.

A little more regular now.

I sat there.

Not moving.

Waiting.

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