First, Cristian would discuss the case with Eric.
During these moments, Hadley would sit quietly, her gaze fixed on Eric’s face.
He had grown noticeably thinner.
His cheeks were hollowed.
He must have been enduring far more than he let on. Even she spent every moment on edge—how much heavier must the weight be on him?
“Miss Pearson, we’re done here.” Once Cristian finished, he stepped aside, leaving them space.
“They’ve been notified. Take your time.”
“Alright, thank you.” Hadley nodded before turning to Eric.
Now, it was only the two of them.
Still bare-faced, she tilted her delicate chin up toward him. Her voice was soft, almost warm—as if they were not in a detention center but back in their own home.
“I brought you some soup…” She opened a thermal container.
“I made it myself—just chicken and water, no seasonings. I let it simmer for hours.”
She ladled a bowl for him, and then opened a smaller container.
“This is dipping sauce. Have it with the meat—it’s the best way.” She glanced at his cuffed hands, pretending not to notice.
They had spoken enough of the case these past days.
Now, she avoided it entirely.
Lifting a spoon, she blew gently over the hot surface before offering it to him.
“Here, try it.”
“Alright…” Eric leaned forward and took a sip.
“How is it?” Hadley asked eagerly.
“Too bland? There’s no seasoning—except a pinch of salt.”
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“No.” Eric’s lips curved faintly.
“It’s perfect.”
Hadley smiled.
“Joy loves it too. At lunch, she had two bowls of this.”
“That’s not good.” Eric frowned, recalling his daughter’s small frame.
“She’ll upset her stomach.”
“I know,” Hadley replied softly.
“But her bowl is much smaller.”
Next, she picked up a piece of chicken, dipped it in the sauce, and held it to his lips.
“Here, have some meat.”
Eric obeyed without protest, his cheeks puffing slightly as he chewed.
“Good?”
“Very.”
“Slow down… there’s no hurry. Cristian’s outside—they won’t rush us. Eat slowly, it’s still hot.”
As she fed him, she spoke gently.
“I brought fresh clothes. Since I come every day, I might as well bring something clean each time. Oh, and…”
She added lightly, “I packed some books and snacks…”
.
.
.