"What are you all laughing at? Did I say something wrong?" Joshua looked utterly confused.

The doctor shook his head. "Nothing. I'll head back to the office to finalize Pearton's treatment plan. Mr. Wood, Mrs. Wood, we'll take our leave."

The doctor led the nurses out, leaving Joshua still puzzled.

"Why are you laughing then? Did I say something wrong? Mommy, why are you laughing? Shawn, aren't you the perpetually poker-faced guy? Even you laughed," he kept asking.

Shawn raised an eyebrow. "You said you'd devote yourself to Pearton?"

"Yeah. Don't they always say that on TV to repay someone for saving your life? Why can't I say that too?" Joshua replied nonchalantly.

"You can. It's up to Pearton if he wants that." Shawn nodded.

Gale tugged at Shawn's sleeve. "Joshua is just a kid. Why are you messing with him?"

Shawn replied seriously, "I'm quite open-minded. I'll agree if he insists on devoting himself to another man."

Joshua sensed something was off. He muttered, "So, it's ok