Roman didn't say a word, but his eyes were red, tears threatening to spill over. He looked utterly heartbroken.
"Elio," Roman's voice quivered, "there was this old man at home today. He said Lucas Lampard might not make it. I don't want him to die!"
"Even though he's so annoying, always taking my toys and being terrible at video games, I really don't want him to die."
"Elio, can you ask Mom to do something?"
As Roman spoke, Astrid walked in. She heard his little sobs and quickly took the phone from Elio's hand. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?"
The moment Roman saw Astrid, he burst into tears. "Mom, Lucas Lampard is going to die! Please save him! Waaa..."
"Die?" Astrid frowned. Dr. Conrad had already visited the Lampard family, so Lucas shouldn't be in danger. Yet Roman's distress seemed too genuine to be a joke.
Lucas Lampard had spent more time with Roman than even Elio, his own father. In Roman's world, Lucas held a special place.
Seeing Roman so upset, Astrid comforted him, "Roman, don't cry. Can you tell me exactly what the old man said about Lucas Lampard's condition?"
"Okay." Roman wiped his tears with a tissue, calmed himself, and began, "He said the addiction is tough to beat, and during withdrawal, Lucas Lampard could get depressed and might die."
Hearing this, Astrid sighed in relief, speaking softly, "Roman, don't worry. The old man didn't mean Lucas Lampard will die. As long as you stay with him, he'll get through it."
"In a few days, I'll come to see you and Lucas Lampard. Be good and listen to Grandma and Grandpa, alright?"
Roman nodded, "Okay, Mom."
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