After dinner, the group didn't immediately head to the hot springs, as they needed some time to digest. Considering Lance's health, Deanna and the two kids stayed in the room to pass the time.
"Uncle, can you watch a movie with us?" The two kids looked at Lance with eager eyes. Lance didn't refuse and asked Xavier to find a movie for them to watch together. Deanna also sat nearby to accompany them.
When the movie ended, they finally separated to go to the hot springs. Lance took Gregory, while Deanna took Chloe to the other side. The hot spring pools were adjacent, separated by a wooden wall that wasn't soundproof, a thoughtful design by the hotel to allow family members or couples to chat even if they couldn't bathe together.
Deanna led Chloe, with her hair wrapped up, slowly into the water. "Mommy, this water is so warm," Chloe said, looking around curiously as it was her first time in a hot spring. Deanna smiled and asked, "Is it comfortable?"
"Very comfortable, warm and cozy," Chloe replied, splashing around and starting to swim.
Deanna watched her daughter play happily and didn't stop her, thinking it had been a long time since Chloe had so much fun.
She leaned against the edge of the pool, enjoying the soak.
On the other side, the atmosphere between Lance and Gregory was much quieter.
It was Lance's first time taking a child to a hot spring, and he seemed unsure of what to do. Gregory was excited but restrained himself in front of his favorite uncle.
Despite his efforts, his excitement was evident in his eyes. Lance noticed and chuckled, "If you want to play, go ahead. No need to hold back."
"No, I'm fine just soaking," Gregory replied, trying to stay composed.
He mimicked Lance's posture by spreading his arms along the pool's edge but had to stand up due to his shorter legs.
Lance found it amusing and said, "You don't have to copy me. This pose isn't suitable for you yet. When you grow up, you can try it."
Gregory felt a bit embarrassed and sat properly at the pool's edge. His serious demeanor made Lance laugh again.
"Can you swim?" Lance asked.
"Yes," Gregory nodded.
"This pool is shallow enough for you to swim back and forth," Lance suggested. Gregory was tempted, especially hearing his sister's joyful sounds from the other side, but he decided maintaining the right image was more important and shook his head. "No, I'll just sit here."
Lance found Gregory's concern for his image both amusing and endearing. Deanna also chuckled at her son's behavior.
After about half an hour, Lance noticed Gregory's face turning red from the heat and decided it was time to get out. "Alright, let's get out now," he said, standing up and heading towards the edge.
He called out over the wooden wall, "Dr. Deanna, it's about time. Don't stay too long; you might get dizzy."
"Okay, I'll take Chloe out now," Deanna replied and called to her daughter, "Chloe, it's time to get out."
"Okay, Mommy," Chloe responded sweetly and swam towards the edge.
As Deanna stepped onto the stairs to get out, she slipped and fell back into the water with a splash. Chloe screamed in fright, "Mommy!"
Hearing the commotion, Lance and Gregory frowned in concern. "What happened? Is everything alright?" they asked simultaneously.
Chloe shouted back in panic, "Mr. Mercer, brother, what should we do? Mommy fell into the water!"
Deanna's coughing echoed through the air as she tried to reassure them, "I'm fine, just swallowed some water."
She stood up but felt a sharp pain in her ankle as she stepped down, almost falling again but managing to limp out of the pool.
Chloe noticed her mother's swollen ankle and exclaimed, "Mommy, your foot is swollen!"