A caregiver emerged from a nearby room, heading toward Nyla’s room. “It seems Mrs. Flynn is awake,” she announced.

“Wait,” Hadley called, rising swiftly. “I’ll come along. Nyla loves when I brush her hair.”

She turned and moved toward the room, leaving Ernest to watch her retreating figure, lost in contemplation.

“Hadley!” Ernest’s voice rang out suddenly.

Pausing at the door, Hadley glanced back. “Something else on your mind, Ernest?”

“I just need to know…” Ernest hesitated, his tone soft but earnest. “We’re still as close as ever, aren’t we?”

“Of course. We’re family,” Hadley replied, her chuckle warm and genuine as she nodded.

“That is a relief,” Ernest said, a gentle smile spreading across his face. “Then you and Joy, you can still count on me to look out for you both.”

“That would be wonderful,” Hadley said, her smile radiating sincerity.

“Go on in,” Ernest urged, waving her forward. “I’ll be waiting for you and Grandma in the dining room.”

“Alright,” Hadley agreed with a nod, stepping inside. “Nyla, are you awake? Did you rest well?”

Ernest lingered for a moment, exhaling a heavy breath.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that both he and Eric were reaping the consequences of their past choices. He had invited Hadley today to gauge her feelings, to test the waters. Now he understood—her position was unmistakably clear and resolute.

Yet, uncertainty gnawed at him. Should he even broach the subject with Eric? The man seemed content, blissfully unaware of the past, living a serene and steady life. Ferris had once cautioned others, even pleaded with Ernest, to let Eric remain in that peaceful ignorance.

For now, Ernest adopted a cautious, observant approach. Still, he couldn’t reconcile himself to the charade of Eric and Megan’s hollow relationship.

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Lost in thought, Ernest wrestled with whether there was anything he could do to mend things for Eric and Hadley, for their mutual good. Reflecting on it, he found himself deeply unsettled.

Ernest had promised to keep looking after Hadley and Joy as he always had, and Hadley gladly agreed.

Only a few days later, Hadley found herself needing to speak with him again. She reached out directly, the matter concerning Joy’s schooling.

Joy was almost fully recovered, and with a little more time, she would be ready to begin the new school year. Eric had already handled the general registration, but Hadley still needed to complete the actual enrollment process. Since Locke had started school a year earlier than Joy, Ernest seemed the best person to consult about the procedures.

After listening, Ernest said, “Today’s Friday. Why not bring Joy over for dinner tonight and we can discuss it later? Locke has been saying he misses her.”

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