Stewart was spitting up blood again when he got out of bed to wash up that morning.

Not wanting to frighten the kids, he asked Lorna and Carol to take them out to the neighborhood playground for a while.

When Cedric Clarke arrived, Stewart was propped up against his pillows, his face ashen and drawn.

"I told you not to rush back here, but you never listen!" Cedric snapped, striding over and letting his emergency kit thud hard onto the nightstand. "Stewart, were you a mule in your last life? You're not going to die from illness, you'll die from sheer stubbornness!"

"Spare me the lecture. Just hook me up to the IV already," Stewart muttered.

Cedric shot him a glare, but opened the kit and got to work. His hands moved with practiced efficiency as he inserted the needle, hung the IV bag, and adjusted the drip.

"I'm setting it slow," Cedric said, watching the fluid trickle down the line. "This stuff works, but too much will put a strain on your heart.”

Stewart closed his eyes, finally allowing himself to relax as the medication flowed into his veins. His labored, ragged breathing gradually eased.

Cedric sat nearby, keeping a close eye on him. In just over a month, Stewart had wasted away before his eyes.

"I heard from Lorna you went to visit the cemetery?" Cedric asked quietly.

his eyes shut, as if he'd fallen

patience. "Stewart, are you really content with this? You're only thirty-two! If you die

a faint, weary smile. "I've got a son and a daughter. That's enough for

from your responsibilities.

need to worry about that," Stewart rasped, opening his eyes to meet Cedric's. "I'll

angrily. "Life is long, Stewart. Sure, maybe you'll fix things for now, but what

gathering

about

two kids alone? Don't you

everything you leave behind, maybe even

head. "After everything Bryn's been through, she won't

in disbelief.

"I hurt Bryn. I won't deny it. I

He rubbed the back of

a bright, beautiful girl. You know, a soft heart can run in the family. Briony got hers hurt because she

ov

you afraid

mistakes?

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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