Hiding Behind Her Superficiality by Kyla Olson

“One month?” Elspeth asked.

Anya scoffed. “I knew it. You can’t do it at all. One month is a long time. If you can’t make any changes by then, how dare you claim that you can heal him?!”

“One month is too long. His wound would’ve healed on its own by then. All I need is two weeks,” Elspeth replied. The other woman was shocked to hear this. “Two weeks? That’s fast. You’re lying, aren’t you? You’re just trying to run away, right?”

“If I wanted to run, I could’ve done it the moment he got injured. Frank saved me, so I’ll make sure he is completely healed.” Even though Elspeth sounded convincing, Michael immediately protested against her words, “You’re just a young lady. What do you know about treating others? I know you’re an impressive woman, but you don’t have to take responsibility for everything. You’re getting too big for your boots.” He clearly didn’t believe Elspeth. “I’ve already contacted another doctor, and the doctor will come over to treat Frank after we’ve come to an agreement.”

“Who’s the doctor?” she asked.

Michael told her the doctor’s full name in case she didn’t know who he was. “It’s Sonny Schwartz,” he uttered. It was Sonny again. She gazed at the older man as she replied in a calm tone, “It has been seven years since Sonny emerged from the hills. He’s not going to come out to save anyone.” Only if I’m the one who asks him, she thought.

“I don’t care how much it costs. I’m going to get the man to come over.” Michael had an abundance of money. He was willing to spend anything for his precious grandson. Elspeth felt like laughing at his words. “If you don’t believe me, you can always try calling him. You can ask if he is willing to come over.”

Michael sensed a challenge, and he didn’t want to be shamed in front of others. So, he dialed Sonny’s number and put him on loudspeaker. “Am I speaking to Mr. Schwartz?” he asked politely once the call connected.

It sounded rather chaotic on the other end of the line. People were arguing with one another. “Hey! You’re not allowed to change your move in chess. What are you doing, Sonny?!”

on the line, but he had to shout to get his

Joneson, and I’d like to hire you to

have time, and I’m not in the country. I won’t be able

you want me to pay. I’ll

impressed that you managed to get my phone number. Anyway, I haven’t left the hills in a long while, and I have no

and Michael’s face turned sour when he heard the other man’s words. He was about to end the call when Elspeth edged closer to speak in her clear and crisp voice, “You’re playing chess again, aren’t you, Sonny?” Sonny froze for a moment before he

shocked. “It doesn’t matter what I’m doing here, but could you come back to help treat my brother? They don’t trust my

abilities? You’re my very own mentee, and you’re a smart girl. I’d be honored if you told others you were my student after you treated them… Wait, your brother? Are you from

more about this when you’re back. Just let me know if you’ll be able to make it,” Elspeth said. However, Sonny rejected her again. “No, no. I’m not going back. I feel like I’m just a tool you summon whenever you need me! You can treat whatever illness your brother has. I trust you. I’m going to end the call now. I need to get back to my chess… Hey! Why

face, he couldn’t bring himself to say much. Meanwhile, Anya, who had intended to strike a bet with Elspeth earlier, looked utterly embarrassed by herself. I can’t believe she is Sonny’s mentee. Most people never get to meet the legendary doctor in their

treat Frank

nowadays are pretty impressive after all… Fine. I’ll trust you with Frank.” Despite saying that, he couldn’t help but question Elspeth, “How exactly did you meet Sonny? How did you become

man—all she could think of now was how she should treat Frank. “I think you guys shouldn’t visit Frank for the next few days. Even if you guys

just happened, people seemed to take her words more seriously as they