Delayed Development

"Wonderful! Leonard, you've really made us proud!" Lily Evans looked at her younger cousin with satisfaction. After a year apart, Leonard Yuan had grown much taller—he now stood even higher than Lily herself, transforming from a child into a strapping young man.

Leonard Yuan basked in Lily's praise, his face flushing with excitement. "Just wait, Sister Lily! One day I'll become the top scholar and make you even prouder!"

"Good boy, so ambitious!" Mrs. Charlotte Evans grinned, unable to hide her delight as she looked at her nephew.

This time, Mrs. Charlotte Evans had accompanied Leonard Yuan to Southland for his studies and the Imperial Examination. It had been a year since she'd seen Lily Evans, and the family had missed each other dearly—especially Mrs. Evans, who'd been thinking about Lily's son, Charles Hayes. She smiled and said, "Lily, I wasn't there when Charlie was born, but I'm so glad both you and your son are healthy. I brought back lots of fun things from Southland, and I've already sent them over. Most are perfect for children—consider them a little gift from this aunt to her nephew."

"I want to see my little nephew!" Leonard Yuan burst out, practically bouncing with excitement.

Lily Evans led them to see Charles Hayes. Although Charlie was still smaller than Connie Evans, he looked healthy enough.

Mrs. Charlotte Evans scooped up Charles Hayes, utterly smitten, and started peppering Lily Evans with questions about the child's daily routine. Lily answered every one.

Having raised three children herself, Mrs. Charlotte Evans listened to Lily Evans's report about Charles Hayes and sensed something wasn't quite right.

By this age, Charles Hayes should have learned to roll over and even crawl. But he could only lie on his back, needing help to roll over, and showed no interest in crawling at all.

Mrs. Charlotte Evans found it odd, but didn’t say much. After all, she’d heard Charlie’s birth had been difficult—maybe he was just a bit frail, so his development was slower. Pointing it out might seem rude, and who knows? Maybe in a few months, he’d be rolling and crawling like the rest.

Leonard Yuan was blissfully unaware of his mother's worries; he was far too busy entertaining Charles Hayes.

Charles Hayes was a remarkably easygoing child—rarely fussy, always quiet. If someone played with him when he was energetic, he’d giggle with delight; when tired, he’d simply close his eyes and drift off to sleep. Truly a well-behaved little boy.

After a little playtime, Charles Hayes grew sleepy and promptly dozed off.

The adults soon left the room and gathered outside to chat.

Leonard Yuan tugged at Mrs. Charlotte Evans’s sleeve, bursting with excitement. "Mom, I passed the scholar exam! Tomorrow I’m going to the academy to tell Mr. Su! Before I left, Mr. Su said I’d definitely pass. Now that I have, I can’t wait for him to know!"

Lily Evans couldn’t help but laugh. "Then you should hurry and tell Professor Evans. I’m sure he’ll be happy for you."

Leonard Yuan nodded eagerly. "I’ll go first thing in the morning!"

Mrs. Charlotte Evans smiled and ruffled Leonard’s hair. "That’s my boy. You’ve done so well."

That night, Leonard Yuan was so excited he could hardly sleep. He tossed and turned, replaying the moment he’d tell Professor Evans about his success.

Early the next morning, Leonard Yuan set off for the academy, his steps light and quick.

He arrived at Professor Evans’s study, knocked, and entered. "Professor Evans, I passed!" he announced proudly.