“It’s me,” he said.

“I know.”

Eric’s usually steady voice held a hint of anxiety and worry.

“Is Joy asleep?” He remembered Hadley mentioning that Joy’s bedtime was always eight-thirty sharp.

As expected, Hadley replied, “She is already asleep.”

Eric nodded on the other end.

“Has she been doing better since I left?”

“She hasn’t cried again. However…” Hadley’s voice softened, laced with concern.

“She seemed low today, and she didn’t eat much dinner. I managed to help her eat a little.”

“Is she feeling sick otherwise?” Eric’s heart nearly jumped out of his chest at the thought.

“No,” Hadley replied, shaking her head.

“Her temperature’s normal, and she doesn’t have any other symptoms.”

“That’s a relief…” Eric exhaled, the tension easing. Then, gently, he added, “I have reached out to a therapist to talk to Joy. Is that okay?”

Ernest had also mentioned this to Hadley during dinner, so she was both informed and supportive.

“Alright. Did you set a time?”

“I did,” Eric replied, his brows subtly furrowing.

“I didn’t want to wait. Are you free tomorrow morning?”

He quickly added, “If you have something else planned, we can reschedule…”

“It’s fine, really,” Hadley said, shaking her head gently. Joy was her priority, without question.

“Tomorrow morning it is then. But you…” She hesitated, unsure how to phrase it.

“Don’t worry,” Eric said quietly, understanding her concern. A faint bitterness crept into his tone.

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“I’ll be careful and make sure Joy doesn’t see me.”

Hadley paused.

“Alright then.”

“Okay.”

The following day, Sebastian arrived from the main building and made his way to Crimson House.

“Miss Pearson, Mr. Flynn asked me to accompany you today.”

“Okay.” Hadley smiled warmly.

“Thank you, Sebastian.”

After getting Joy ready, Hadley took her out for the appointment.

Joy’s mood was fairly steady today, though she was obviously not happy.

At Dr. Perkins’ clinic, Joy had a private session with him. While they waited, Hadley and Eric sat in his office.

About an hour and a half later, Hamza returned.

“Hadley, Mr. Scott. Joy’s playing with a nurse now, so there is no need to worry. Please, have a seat.”

Eric pulled out a chair for Hadley and gestured gently.

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