The Bound Between Us

Chapter 977

Ever since Pattie disappeared behind those operating room doors, everyone in the family was on edge.

The surgery would take about three hours. Three hours of torture, really.

The hallway outside was silent—the kind of silence that presses in on your ears. Herman and Anastasia just sat and waited, along with everyone else, all of them lined up on the hard bench, not saying a word, just glancing at the clock every so often.

As lunchtime crept closer, Herman finally broke the silence. "Feiman, Katelyn, maybe you two should go grab something to eat?"

Feiman shook his head. "I'm fine. Not hungry. Your mom and I will wait a little longer."

Katelyn sighed. "How can anyone eat at a time like this?"

Salma chimed in, "I'll wait too. I just want to see Pattie come out first."

Tavon stood there, stubborn as ever, arms folded, refusing to budge.

Anastasia tried to reason with them. "Guys, just sitting here worrying won't make the surgery end any faster. Go get some lunch, come back-you'll be in time. Monica, Flynn, can you take Mom and Dad to the cafeteria?"

But no one moved. Monica piped up, her voice gentle but firm, "Aunties, uncles, you know what they say you can't go on if you don't eat. If you just sit here stewing, you'll only feel worse. The doctors know what they're doing. Let's get some food and stay strong for Pattie, okay?"

Flynn nodded and started gently herding the four elders out.

With everyone gone, only Anastasia and Herman remained. Herman clutched her

hand, his thumb rubbing soothing circles over her

around her. He wasn't sure if he was

Anastasia's panic eased-just

No one bothered to look at the menu-Monica ended up ordering for everyone. Flynn poured water, trying to sound upbeat. "Come on, folks, it's just a vocal cord surgery.

understand

first to reach for his chopsticks. "Let's

the energy

sat there, lost in thought. The women looked heartbroken, while the men tried to keep it

some food toward Katelyn. "Try to eat

just can't. Isn't this surgery where they

something goes wrong, what

filled

up. "Who told you they just

open for this? If

butchers, not doctors. Don't scare Salma even more-she

she'd barely slept

Gianna's fault anyway. How could she do that to a kid? Pattie even

Even Salma just

from what

rang. Sandy's name flashed on

gotten Ashley settled, and now Sandy was calling-never a good sign. Tavon was always wary of this daughter of his. Sometimes

who could cause