“Alright.” Ernest seemed satisfied. “Once she wakes up, help her freshen up.”

The caregiver acknowledged him and headed toward the inner room.

Just as she reached the door, Quentin appeared. “The paperwork is almost done, sir. Your signature is needed.”

“Alright.” Ernest nodded and stood to handle the forms in the doctor’s office.

Upon his return, he found Linda awake at last. s ? ?s Find[?]ovel.net

The caregiver stood by Linda’s side. “Miss Harris, Mr. Flynn was here earlier. He’ll be back soon. Please eat something while you wait.”

Linda sat quietly, listening but ignoring the food in front of her.

A different question occupied her thoughts. “Where’s Eric?”

“Well…” The caregiver hesitated, searching for the right words. Eric hadn’t been to the hospital for days, and he had even gone so far as to block her calls.

Linda slumped in her wheelchair, a dazed look overtaking her features. “He’s not coming, is he?” she whispered. “Why won’t he come?”

Footsteps sounded in the hallway, drawing her attention toward the door. Ernest entered at that moment.

“Ernest!” A smile broke across her face, and her eyes lit up. “You came!”

“Of course,” Ernest nodded, stepping closer and glancing at the untouched food. “You haven’t eaten. Are you feeling unwell, or is it just not to your liking?”

“It’s not that…” Tears welled in her eyes as Linda shook her head. “I just—where’s Eric? He hasn’t visited in so long.”

“Eric…” A quiet sigh left Ernest’s lips.

She still held onto thoughts of his brother, even now. Eric, though, seemed to have let go.

He couldn’t entirely blame Eric. Both he and Eric had spent years meeting Linda’s every need, giving her everything she wanted. Still, Linda had always craved more.

M ? .

Even gratitude, when stretched too thin, eventually broke.

Softening his tone, Ernest explained, “Eric’s schedule is packed right now. He just hasn’t been able to visit.”

“Really?” Relief flickered across Linda’s face. “I knew it! He must have a good reason. Eric would never just stop coming!”

“Yeah.” Ernest nodded toward the plate in front of her. “Would you try eating a little now?”

A smile bloomed on Linda’s face as she picked up her fork with enthusiasm. “I will!”

Settling into the chair beside her, Ernest kept his voice soft. “Once you’ve finished, I want to show you someplace new.”

Linda’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Where are we going?”

“We’re moving you to a nicer place,” Ernest said without hesitation. “This room is far too cramped. The new place has a garden, more space, and a better environment. Jane can’t handle everything alone, but you’ll have a whole team to help out there.”

“Oh…” The word left Linda’s lips as she listened, only half-grasping the meaning. “I’ll do whatever you think is best.”

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