Hadley straightened the moment she heard him. “What is it, Ernest? Tell me.”
“It’s Elissa… Her treatment’s scheduled for tomorrow.”
The sessions had originally been weekly, and Eric had already joined her once since his return. But with signs of improvement, the doctor had bumped it up to twice a week.
Ernest had just returned from a week away in Srixby, and the backlog at work left him stretched thin, with no time to spare.
“You’re the only one I can count on right now. Hadley, I hate to trouble you, but…”
“Ernest, please don’t say that. We’re family, alright?” She cut in with a soft laugh. “And it’s no trouble at all. I’ll take Elissa to the appointment tomorrow and make sure she’s looked after.”
“Thank you. Knowing you’re with her puts my mind at ease.”
“It’s settled then. Bye.” She ended the call and set the phone down.
Eric slipped his arms around her again as they settled back into bed, their conversation drifting lazily. “What’s really going on with Elissa? She seems fine to me. Doesn’t act like anything’s wrong upstairs.”
“She is fine. Just… missing a few pieces. That’s all.”
“Memory loss? That’s kind of cool.”
Hadley gave him a mock glare, and then swatted his arm. “What kind of nonsense is that? She’s going to be your sister-in-law—watch your mouth.”
“Oh—right. My bad.”
Work resumed the next day. Elissa had a full schedule, so her appointment was set for the evening instead.
That morning, Hadley texted to let her know she’d be going with her to the clinic.
By six sharp, Elissa wrapped up her tasks and stepped out of the office. Hadley was already at the curb, waiting.
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“Elissa, hop in.”
“Coming!”
She climbed in, and Hadley turned to her. “Where’s the clinic? Ernest didn’t say.”
“She told me to ask you directly.”
“It’s at…” Elissa recited the address.
“Oh, that spot.” Hadley hesitated, her expression flickering with mild surprise.
Elissa caught the shift in tone. “What is it?”
“Nothing.” Hadley flashed a quick smile, sidestepping the question, and spoke to the driver. “Let’s go.”
“Got it.”
The car pulled away from the curb and set off toward the clinic.
When they arrived, the two women stepped into the clinic, arms linked. At the front desk, Elissa leaned forward and greeted the nurse. “I have an appointment with Dr. Perkins at seven.”
“Of course.” The nurse scanned the file and then nodded. “Miss Holland, come with me, please.”
“Alright.” Elissa gently slipped her arm from Hadley’s. “I’ll go on in.”
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