As he opened the door, he found Locke in tears.

“Mom… it hurts…” The anesthesia had worn off, and his arm was now throbbing. Following the doctor’s instructions, Elissa had propped his arm up with pillows to keep it elevated, but the pain persisted.

“Don’t cry, sweetheart,” Elissa soothed, her voice gentle. “How about we watch some cartoons together?”

“Okay…” Locke sniffled.

Just then, Ernest stepped inside. “Elissa…”

“Ernest,” she said, motioning to him. “Turn on the projector. Locke wants to watch cartoons.”

“Oh, okay,” Ernest said quickly, setting up Locke’s favorite show on the screen.

Elissa held Locke close as the cartoon played, whispering softly to him. Gradually, Locke’s attention shifted, and his sobs quieted.

“Elissa,” Ernest said, leaning in close to her ear. “I’ll stay with Locke. You should eat. The kitchen made fish, just as your mom instructed.”

“In a minute,” Elissa replied, shaking her head. She wanted to wait until Locke was calmer, closer to sleep.

“Alright,” Ernest said, respecting her choice and staying quietly by her side.

The pain kept Locke awake for a long while, but eventually, his breathing steadied as he drifted off. Only then did Elissa gently release him.

“Go eat something,” Ernest urged softly. He felt for both Locke and Elissa—it was so late, and she had to be famished.

Elissa nodded and headed downstairs. In the kitchen, a platter of freshly cooked fish was set before her, prepared to ensure it was still warm and tender.

She didn’t hesitate, picking up her fork and carefully choosing pieces, dipping them lightly in salt, just as Savannah had said.

Ernest watched, a mix of astonishment and relief washing over him. After days of worry, he finally saw her eat something substantial.

ν., ? ?

He had a flood of words on the tip of his tongue but held them back, waiting quietly until she finished her meal.

Elissa placed her fork down, dabbed her lips with a napkin, and rose without a word.

“Elissa,” Ernest said softly, reaching out to gently grasp her wrist as she turned to go.

Her brow furrowed, but she avoided his gaze. “Don’t bother. My decision’s final. The morning after tomorrow, I’ll be gone before Locke wakes.”

Eric stepped into Hadley’s house on Jewel Avenue, where Joy was upstairs bathing, and Hadley came to greet him upon hearing the door open.

“You’re back,” she said, taking his coat. “How’s Locke holding up?”

“Nothing serious. He’ll be alright,” Eric replied, offering a detailed account. “It’s tough for a kid his age, though. Luckily, Elissa’s there with him.”

“What?” Hadley’s eyes widened. “Elissa’s with him? At the Flynn Mansion?”

She knew Elissa was supposed to leave Srixby in just two days.

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