She didn’t stir, only wept harder, as if she hadn’t heard him.

“Linda,” he said again, his voice low and steady. “It’s me—Ernest. I’m here.”

Her sobs hitched. Slowly, she lifted her head, her tear-streaked eyes meeting his.

“Ernest?” she whispered.

“Yes. It’s me.”

But the moment she recognized him, her composure broke. She sobbed harder, overwhelmed.

Ernest’s heart ached at the sight. He leaned forward, his voice gentle. “Is it hurting that much?”

He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. “You’ve taken the painkiller, haven’t you? Just hang in there—it’ll ease soon.”

Linda nodded faintly, her eyes falling shut as tears slipped down her face.

Quietly, Ernest pulled a tissue from the bedside box and offered it to her. “Here. Dry your tears.”

Linda didn’t take the tissue. She simply stared at Ernest, her tear-filled eyes clinging to him, full of fragile hope. “Ernest… am I dreaming?”

He blinked, startled by the question. “What do you mean?” His voice softened, sympathy blooming in his chest. “No, Linda. You’re not dreaming. I’m really here.”

“Really?” She looked unconvinced, almost afraid to believe it. Slowly, tentatively, she lifted a trembling hand and reached for his.

When her fingers touched his skin, she broke into fresh tears—but this time, they weren’t from pain.

“You’re real,” she whispered, clutching his hand like a lifeline. “You’re really here… You came to see me.”

Ernest gave a small nod, allowing her to hold on without resistance.

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“I…” Her expression shifted suddenly, fear shadowing her face. She stammered, “Have I done something wrong?”

Then the tears surged again.

“First Eric stopped visiting… and then you. After I was brought here, you never came back. You left me. Like I didn’t matter anymore.”

She burst into anguished sobs, throwing her arms around him in a desperate embrace.

“Tell me—what did I do wrong? Why did you stop caring? Please, Ernest… Just tell me. I’ll fix it. I’ll be better, I promise.”

“Linda!” He frowned, gripping her hand with more purpose now, trying to ground her. “Hey, listen. Breathe. Calm down. It’s not like that. We’ve just been overwhelmed, caught up in things. It was never intentional.”

“Really?” She stared at him, eyes wide, uncertain. “You’re not lying to me?”

“I’m not.” He gave her a faint smile, the warmth in his voice returning. “You’re family, Linda. To both Eric and me. That hasn’t changed. We’d never abandon you.”

He squeezed her hand gently. “See? I’m right here now.”

“Do you really mean that?” she asked again, a little calmer this time.

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