“I do.” He reached up and gently dabbed her cheeks with the tissue she’d forgotten she held. “Feeling a bit better now?”

Linda hesitated, then gave a small nod. “A little…”

The painkillers were beginning to do their work.

“Then be good,” Ernest said softly. “Close your eyes and get some rest.” He gave her hand a gentle rub, then tossed the crumpled tissue into the trash. With careful hands, he tucked the blanket around her shoulders, cocooning her in warmth.

Linda turned slightly, her gaze lingering on him, fragile and hopeful. “Will you stay… just for a while?”

“Of course,” Ernest replied, his voice warm and steady. “Go ahead and sleep. I’ll be right here.”

“Thanks…” She closed her eyes, though her grip on his hand remained firm, as if afraid he’d vanish the moment she let go.

He simply sat there, letting her hold on. Minutes passed. Her breathing slowed, softened, and fell into rhythm. When he was certain she had drifted off, Ernest gently eased his hand from hers, careful not to wake her. He stood, casting one last glance at the sleeping figure before quietly leaving the room.

In the hallway, Jane waited. “Take good care of her,” he said quietly.

“Of course, Mr. Flynn,” she replied with a respectful nod.

Outside, in the fading light, Ernest paused and tilted his head back, exhaling a long, heavy breath that did nothing to lift the weight pressing down on him.

He had never imagined things would come to this. Linda might be complicated, flawed, sometimes manipulative—but the fact remained that she had once saved both their lives. And because of that, they felt responsible—no, willing—to see her through life with comfort, without fear or want.

But life rarely unfolded as planned.

Now all Ernest could do was wait. Wait, and hope that when the results came back, they wouldn’t confirm the doctor’s worst suspicions.

Stay connected at g?lnσν?s?c?m

As he left Pristin Mountain Sanatorium behind, Ernest pulled out his phone and dialed Elissa’s number. It took several rings—and a few repeated attempts—before she finally picked up.

“Hello? Ernest?”

He frowned instinctively. “What took you so long to answer?”

“I was in the shower,” she replied breezily. “Didn’t hear the phone right away.” There was a hint of amusement in her voice. “What’s with the serious tone? Did something happen?”

Ernest exhaled, shaking his head slightly. “Sorry. I guess I overreacted. I was just… worried. You fainted not long ago—I thought something might’ve happened again.”

“I won’t collapse on you, so don’t worry.” Elissa gave a light laugh, the sound airy and reassuring. “Dr. Perkins says I’m almost fully recovered. And Laney mentioned I haven’t sleepwalked in weeks.” Her voice was like warm sunlight.

Ernest’s expression softened despite himself. “That’s good to hear.”

A small smile curved his lips. “Actually… I’ve got a bit of good news myself. Want to hear it?”

“Oh, what is it?” Elissa’s tone was curious and sweet, like the bubbling of a clear stream—effortlessly putting him at ease.

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