“No treatment? Why would you even ask that?” Confusion flickered across Colleen’s face before professional duty took over. “Ignoring mental illness is like watching cancer spread through a body—left alone, it consumes everything until nothing remains.” ?s s find(?)ovel.net
Her words slammed into his chest like a sledgehammer, stealing Eric’s breath and crushing his ribs.
Hadley’s desperate words echoed in his memory—her promise to disappear before his very eyes…
No dramatics, no manipulation—just the stark truth of her reality!
“I understand now. Thank you for the truth.” Eric steadied himself, gathering the scattered pieces of his composure.
“My obligation is fulfilled.” Colleen gathered her belongings and rose to depart.
“Wait.” Eric’s voice cut through her movement like a blade.
Confusion painted Colleen’s features. “Mr. Scott, is there something…?”
“Yes.” Eric’s head moved in confirmation as he drew air deep into his lungs. He pushed back from the table, rose with newfound purpose, and walked over to Colleen.
Bewilderment clouded Colleen’s features as she watched his strange behavior unfold. What was he doing?
“Dr. Hayes.” Eric’s eyes blazed crimson with unshed tears, his mouth trembling as he spoke words that felt too small for his gratitude. “This gratitude should have reached you years ago… but thank you for helping Hadley back then.”
Without Colleen’s intervention, Hadley would have drowned in those dark waters with no one to throw her a lifeline.
The words released him, and Eric folded his body into a profound bow that spoke louder than any speech.
“Mr. Scott! Please don’t— I only offered what any decent person would!” Panic flashed across Colleen’s face as she reached toward him in protest. But Eric remained unmoved, his gratitude carved in stone. Helplessness rooted her feet to the floor as respect demanded she witness his tribute.
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As he maintained his reverent position, memory carried Eric backward through time.
Only once before in his adult life had he bent his spine in such humble acknowledgment. Nyla had earned his first bow, and now Colleen claimed his second.
Nyla had raised him, and Colleen had saved his wife and child. Honor demanded nothing less than this gesture of profound respect!
“Dr. Hayes, your kindness has carved itself into my soul. Should you ever require assistance—regardless of the cost or consequence—I will answer without question.”
Once they’d parted ways, Eric ensured Colleen reached home safely through his driver.
Rather than returning to face Hadley at the hospital, he sought refuge in the familiar sanctuary of his office.
Shame had wrapped itself around his throat like a noose, choking away his courage to meet Hadley’s eyes.
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