“You seem to get along with him very well. Locke enjoys spending time with you.”

Before she could respond, a small voice called out nearby. “Miss Holland, why didn’t you come find me?”

Locke came running back into the room, only to freeze when he spotted Ernest standing there. “Dad, you’re back.”

“Yes.” Ernest appeared in good spirits as he reached out and gently patted his son’s head. “Sorry for cutting your game short.”

“Mr. Flynn…” Elissa offered a polite laugh, her voice light. “It’s time for me to go. I should be leaving now.”

“Miss Holland, you’re leaving already?” Locke glanced out the window, then turned toward his father with concern in his eyes. “Dad, it’s raining really hard. Shouldn’t you drive Miss Holland home?”

Ernest turned to look at Elissa. Without hesitating, he said, “Alright…” But she interrupted him with a gentle smile. “There’s no need. I’ll just take the subway home. It’s very convenient from here.”

As she finished speaking, Elissa reached over to pick up her bag from the sofa. “I have an umbrella, so I won’t get wet.”

“Alright then.”

Seeing that she was firm in her decision, Ernest did not try to stop her.

He gave a small nod and stood up. “I’ll walk you to the door.”

“Thank you.”

“Miss Holland, I want to come too!” Locke immediately followed her steps like a little shadow, staying close by her side.

The rain outside had grown heavier, drumming steadily against the windows.

Elissa reached into her bag to retrieve her umbrella, but as she did, she realized she was still holding Ernest’s scarf.

She turned and handed it to him, her expression slightly flustered. “Mr. Flynn, I almost forgot. Your scarf.”

“Yes.” Ernest gave a small nod and took it from her hands.

Your source of stories: gαlnσνs.cm

“I’ll be going now.” Elissa looked at Locke and gave him a warm wave.

“See you tomorrow, Locke.”

“See you tomorrow, Miss Holland!”

Just as she was about to step out the door, her phone began to ring. She answered it in a soft voice, one that carried a gentle tone. “Hello? Yes, I’m heading toward the subway station now. I’ll be there soon… Okay, see you later.”

Her words were calm and affectionate, something about them striking a chord in Ernest’s chest. He stood there in silence for a moment, unsettled by a sudden, unshakable discomfort.

Who had she been talking to?

Before he could stop himself, the question left his mouth. “Who was that?”

“What?” Elissa turned back, looking at him with mild confusion. She wondered if she had heard him correctly. Had he just asked who had called her? And if so, why?

For a brief moment, she was unsure how to reply.

“Ahem.” Ernest seemed to realize he had overstepped. He cleared his throat, trying to shift away from the awkwardness. “The rain is heavy tonight. Be careful on the road.”

“Okay.” Elissa smiled faintly, opened her umbrella, and walked out into the falling rain.

.

.

.