After a few short exchanges, Eric shifted gears, getting straight to business. He covered the essentials with Ernest, making sure not to waste time on anything unnecessary.

“I see.” Ernest listened closely, then nodded his thanks. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me while I was away, Eric.”

Eric brushed off the gratitude. “It’s nothing, really. We’re family.” He glanced at Ernest’s wrist. “You keep checking your watch. Are you in a hurry?”

“Yeah.” Without dodging the question, Ernest answered honestly. “I need to get to the hospital. Addy’s condition isn’t good.”

Hadley’s expression grew tense. “Is it that serious?”

“It is.” A somber nod confirmed it. “Quentin has already said as much. I’ll get the full story from the doctors when I get there.”

Knowing Quentin’s reputation for honesty, they realized the gravity of the situation.

Without hesitating, Hadley stepped forward. “I’m coming with you.”

“Okay,” Ernest replied, not arguing.

He pushed himself up from the sofa. “We’d better leave now.”

“Let’s go.”

With Hadley set on going, Eric naturally fell in step with them. The three made their way toward the door.

“Ernest.” Just before they left, Linda stopped them, confusion painted across her face. “Where are you all off to?”

She nodded toward the dining table. “Everything’s ready for dinner.”

“I can’t stay for a meal right now.” Shaking his head, Ernest frowned. “I’ve got somewhere important to be.” He turned to head out.

“Wait!” Linda shot up, raising her voice. She had actually overheard most of their conversation. “Don’t go running off! You need to eat something!”

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His patience running thin, Ernest replied, “I’m not hungry, Linda. I can’t force myself to eat.”

Linda let out a cold, mocking laugh. “Of course you can! Elissa’s gone, and your child’s gone too! Maybe you want to follow them, huh? What’s left for you here?”

There she went again, digging into old wounds.

Ernest’s hands curled into fists. He closed his eyes for a moment, then looked at her and spoke through gritted teeth. “You need to stop.”

“I won’t stop!” Linda refused to back down. She lifted her chin, her voice rising. “Elissa is dead! You hear me? Dead!”

Rage flashed in Ernest’s eyes. His hands balled up tighter.

“And what about Addy?” Linda’s voice was ragged. “Why are you pushing yourself so hard, running off to the hospital when you’re not well yourself? You really think your presence will make a difference? He’s probably dying too! Maybe he’ll meet Elissa in the next world, and he’ll finally get his peace!”

“Linda!” Suddenly, Ernest’s fist shot up, his arm trembling with anger.

Linda’s eyes widened, realizing he might actually strike her. But she didn’t flinch. She shut her eyes. “Go on! Hit me if you have the guts!”

Heavy breaths racked Ernest’s chest. His fist hovered, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

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