Years of living here meant he knew his way around blindfolded. He reached for a spotless cup from the top shelf, then filled it with water from the pitcher.
On his way back, he paused when he noticed Linda waiting, her wheelchair positioned squarely in his path. Somehow, she had managed to follow him quietly.
Eric knit his brows and angled his body, trying to slip past her without fuss.
Linda raised her voice, calling out, “Eric!”
Pretending not to hear, Eric moved forward as if her presence meant nothing.
“Eric!” Linda’s voice grew sharp with disbelief. “Are you ignoring me on purpose?”
Eric’s steps slowed, though he kept his distance. “If you need help, ask someone else.”
“Oh, really?” Linda scoffed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “So now Hadley has you on such a tight leash you won’t even talk to me?”
“That’s not it.” Eric cut her off, his reply clipped. “This has nothing to do with her.”
He decided not to argue and simply turned away, ready to leave her behind.
“Eric!” Linda called out again, urgency in her voice.
He walked on because he saw Hadley stepping out of the restroom.
“Hadley!” Eric picked up the pace and met her halfway, offering the cup. “Here, have some water. Didn’t you just say you were thirsty while we were in the car?”
“You always pay attention.”
“Someone’s got to look out for you. Drink up.”
“Thanks.” Hadley gave a small nod and took a long sip, cupping his hand with her own.
“Could you scratch my neck?” Eric asked suddenly, almost out of nowhere.
With a questioning glance, Hadley asked, “Why can’t you do it yourself?”
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“I’m busy being your water boy. Just help me out.” Eric motioned to the cup in his hands.
“My neck. The back. It’s driving me crazy!”
Rolling her eyes, she reached up and scratched his neck. “Right here?”
“A little lower.”
“To the left.”
“A bit to the right.”
“You are so high maintenance!”
“Yes! That’s it, harder… You got it!”
From across the room, Linda watched them with such bitterness, her jaw clenched so tight it looked like she might snap. Just then, Ernest made his way down the staircase.
“Ernest.” Linda called out, “Eric is here.”
“I know.” Ernest gave a calm nod. Eric had contacted him before coming over.
Ernest strode into the living room and greeted them. “Eric. Hadley.”
“How have you been holding up, Ernest?”
“I appreciate your concern. I’m alright.”
.
.
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