He rattled off every word in a single breath, terrified to pause even for a second. With his forehead beaded in sweat, he glanced at Eric nervously.

“Mr. Scott, what do you think?”

Even so, Eric’s face remained grim.

“Eric…” Hadley, sitting close by, tugged at his arm. “Don’t get so worked up. Let’s just follow what the doctor said.”

This was the best hospital in Srixby, staffed with the top specialists. If anyone could be trusted, it was them.

At Hadley’s words, Eric’s expression softened, at least slightly. But that hint of calm was for her sake alone. When his eyes shifted back to the doctor, they remained sharp and unyielding.

Eric forced himself to stay composed, knowing that another outburst would only upset Hadley further.

“Prescribe the medication.”

“Of course, Mr. Scott.” The doctor quickly wrote the prescription, then turned to Hadley with a strained but hopeful smile. “Miss Pearson, there’s no need to worry. Take things one step at a time. I assure you, you’ll recover. If the hallucinations or auditory delusions persist, we recommend integrating psychological support into your care.”

“Okay. Thank you for the reminder. We’ve already started with that,” Hadley said with a polite smile. She then turned to Eric, whose jaw was still tight, and slipped her arm through his. “Let’s go.”

“Take care, Mr. Scott, Miss Pearson. A nurse will bring the medication to Mr. Brown in a moment.”

When they stepped out of the consultation room, Hadley tugged at his arm once more. “Eric—”

Before she could finish, Eric turned and pulled her into his arms.

Hadley blinked, momentarily stunned. Then her expression softened, and she slowly lifted her arms to return the embrace. She didn’t say a word. Instead, she patted his back in the same gentle way she often comforted Joy.

“Hadley…” Eric pressed his face against her neck and murmured, “Don’t be scared, okay? You’ll get better. I promise you will.”

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He wasn’t just speaking to her—he was trying to convince himself.

“I know,” Hadley said calmly, surprising even herself. There was even the faintest smile in her voice. “I believe you. I’m not scared at all.”

Once they left the hospital, they made their way to Hamza’s clinic to fill him in on everything that had happened.

Following a thorough discussion, they agreed to continue Hadley’s psychological therapy while pairing it with the hospital’s supplementary medication plan.

By the time everything was settled and they were on their way back to Jewel Avenue, Hadley sleepily rested her head on Eric’s shoulder. Eric adjusted her position carefully, making sure she could rest more comfortably.

Just then, his phone buzzed.

It was Phillips, calling from the lead car.

Eric answered in a quiet voice, careful not to disturb Hadley. “What is it?” he asked, keeping it short. “Speak. I’m listening.”

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