Chapter 136
At dawn the next day, Evan spotted Alex at Ellie’s door. “Mr. Warren…”
Just then, Ellie swung the door open. When she saw Alex slumped at her doorstep, her brows knitted together. Alex looked up at her, his eyes red and tired. He wanted to take Ellie’s hand, but he couldn’t find the courage.
Ellie ignored him and hurried downstairs. Earlier that morning, Joanna had called to tell her that Harold had hurt his leg, which got infected. After several days of fever, he showed no signs of getting better.
Ellie felt she had to go home. She took the first train available, and by the time she arrived in her hometown, it was already afternoon.
“Your dad refuses to go to the hospital and insists on staying home,” Joanna said as she pulled Ellie aside at the entrance.
“Don’t worry, mom. Since dad won’t stay in the hospital, we can have a doctor from the village clinic come to give him IV treatment at home, and I’ll take care of him,” Ellie reassured Joanna as she stepped inside.
Their village was quite remote. For minor health issues, locals would visit the village clinic. Many sought help at home for advice and prescriptions, avoiding the busy city pharmacies.
“Don’t listen to your mother’s nonsense. I’m fine,” Harold insisted, trying to sit up on the bed when he saw his daughter. “You should leave
tomorrow.”
Ellie sat beside her dad and draped his coat over his shoulders. “You’ve had a fever for days and still say you’re fine.”
“Aaron is away on business and can’t come back right now. I’ll stay home until you get better, and then I’ll leave,” Ellie added. Just then, her phone rang with a video call from Aaron.
“Aaron, I made it home,” Ellie said, handing the phone to Harold.
On the other end, Aaron was in the cafeteria. As Harold looked at Aaron’s food, he urged, “Eat more; you need to grow strong.”
“Dad, I’m not a kid anymore,” Aaron replied, but even through the screen, Ellie could sense the bitterness behind his cheerful tone. They all felt the weight of their dad’s guilt and helplessness; underneath that guilt was a deep love for his children.
Aaron said, “I got a raise. When I get my paycheck next month, I’ll buy you a car so it’ll be easier for you and mom to go places.” “Don’t waste your money on unnecessary things; I’ve gotten used to my crutch and don’t go out much,” Harold replied. “You still need to get married, have kids, and save money.”
He had said this countless times over the years. Yet those were the only words Harold could find to express to his two children. “Dad, don’t worry about money; I have grown up and can take care of you. I’ll buy it next month when I get my paycheck.”
After ending the video call, Ellie looked at her dad. The pride in his eyes and the smile tugging at his lips ached her heart.
Since she was a child, she had promised herself she would become a doctor to heal Harold’s leg. She studied hard. However, when she finally got into medical school, she realized that doctors couldn’t fix everything.
She couldn’t mend her dad’s leg or ease the pain in his heart. All she could do was try to give her parents the best life possible during the time they had together.
“Dad, I bought you a leather jacket; try it on,” Ellie said, helping him wear it.
“It’s hard to earn money; don’t spend it carelessly,” Harold said, zipping it up but then quickly taking it off.
“Why take it off, Dad? It looks great on you,” Ellie insisted.
“Save it for the Christmas, Harold replied, determined to put it aside. After some back and forth, Ellie finally accepted his wishes.
Carefully folding the jacket, she placed it in the wooden chest beside the bed. “Dad, once Aaron and I earn enough for a house, we’ll bring you and mom to live in the city?
“I’ll get you a wheelchair so that you and mom can enjoy watching people dance at the square or spend afternoons playing chess in the park,” she continued with a smile.
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Extra Check–in
11:37 AM &.
Chapter 180
“When Aaron and I aren’t home, you have to take care of yourself, don’t let mom worry about you, Ellie said as Harold enjoyed the pride filling his heart, looking at his daughter with the same love he had for his son.
Ill help take care of both of you and your future kids, Harold assured.
Hearing her dad speak so softly filled Ellie with joy. “If Aaron heard this, he would be thrilled.
“I will see you both getting married and having kids,” Harold added.
Ellie spent five days in her hometown, and finally, Harold’s fever broke. As Ellie got ready to catch the train back to town, her parents insisted on walking her to the station, as they always did.
Ellie turned back, her heart aching at the sight of her parents, their hair now graying, “Mom, I’ll be back for Christmas,” she promised.
Ellie hugged Joanna, rarely acted coquettishly, “When I come back, I want you to make me lasagna”
“When Aaron returns next month, I’ll make some for him to bring to you,” Joanna winked, patting Ellie’s shoulder,
Ellie then approached her dad and hugged him tightly. “Dad, take care of yourself and listen to mom,”
Harold shyly pushed her away. “I know; now go.”
With a smile, Ellie started to step back, but seizing the moment, she rushed forward to hug Harold again. “Dad, I’m sorry,”
This apology had replayed in her mind countless times, but it never felt as heavy as it did right then. “Dad, I promise from now on I will behave and not do foolish things.”
Harold stopped his hand from pushing her away. Ellie said, “We agreed; You must take your medicine and live long enough to see me and Aaron happy
“I’ll take my medicine, Harold replied, gently pushing her away as he waved for her to leave. “Go now,”
Ellie walked quite a distance before glancing back to see her parents still standing there. Harold waved, insisting, “Go” Yet they remained, watching her, reluctant to turn away.
Meanwhile, Nancy suggested, “Todd, it’s been days since Ellie left, and with her dad’s condition, you should visit.”
Alex heard his mother’s words as he walked into the living room. “I’ll go,” he replied readily.
Nancy frowned. “You upset Mr. Thompson last time, and he still hasn’t forgiven you, even after you chased him to the station. Do you really dare to go back?”
Alex lowered his gaze, his earlier confidence fading. “He can’t eat me; the worst he can do is hit me.”
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