Chapter 13 How Can You

Show Your Face Here

The man on the bed did not react to Hadley’s presence.

Despite the years that had slipped by, Ernest still looked much the same, as if he were merely asleep.

Memories of Ernest, vibrant and driven, flooded Hadley’s mind…

She struggled to come to terms with the reality, even after all this time.

It seemed so unjust that such a kind person could endure such a fate.

Ernest was a good man, yet he had spent years lying there in a coma. Chances were, he would never wake up.

The sound of the bathroom door interrupted her reflections. A caregiver appeared.

With a basin of water in hand, the caregiver noticed Hadley’s tear–streaked face and nodded courteously.

“Hello.”

“Hi.” Hadley offered her hand. “Are you going to wipe his face?”

“No, I’m actually here to shave him,” he replied.

Understanding, Hadley observed Ernest’s face, noticing the thick stubble that shaded his jaw blue. “I’ll take care

of that. I know how to do it.”

During Ernest’s initial hospitalization, Hadley had been the one to look after him.

At that time, Nyla was overwhelmed with grief and illness, Eric was preoccupied with work, and Linda was

expecting…

Thus, Hadley had become the primary caregiver within the Flynn family.

Caregivers typically deferred to such wishes from the family members.

He set the basin on the nearby stand and passed her a towel. “Here you go.”

“Thank you.”

Gratefully accepting it, Hadley dampened the towel and used it to warm Ernest’s face.

She then spread shaving cream over his face and started the careful process of shaving him.

Engrossed in her task, Hadley didn’t notice Linda enter the room.

Limping slightly from her injured ankle, Linda approached and stopped by the bedside, staring at Hadley in

astonishment.

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Chapter 13 How Can You Show Your Face Here

“Hadley, is that really you?”

Her expression turned into a frown. “What are you doing here? And why are you doing this?”

Looking up, Hadley responded, “I came to visit Ernest… and as you can see, I’m shaving him.”

Linda chuckled lightly, a hint of amusement in her voice. “I can see what you’re doing.”

“And why bother asking, then?” Hadley retorted sharply.

“You…”

A silent standoff ensued as their gazes locked.

With a dismissive wave, Linda crossed her arms and sighed. “Fine, you’ve visited. Now you should go. We have caregivers; your presence isn’t necessary.”

so?” Hadley responded smoothly, maintaining steady

sending me away. What’s troubling you, Linda? Feeling

something?”

expression darkened. “What are you

tone as she gestured towards Ernest. “Eric isn’t here, so no need to keep up

Linda’s abdomen. “What really happened back then? Can you live with your deceit, fooling everyone, even yourself?

bewildered. “What exactly are you

years, don’t you

lost at

exit. “Leave now! You have

was conversing

had visited the hospital to see Ernest alone,

and it’s

“I’m aware, Grandma.”

deeply and massaged his

brother had been on his

be home safe under

“Thank you.”

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ward’s door, pushing it open to witness the

drama.

emphatically towards the exit. “Leave now!

just beside the bed when

gaze sharp and intense. “Hadley, what have you

“Eric!”

up in Linda’s

“I’ve got this.”

moved swiftly

grasped his arm, her voice desperate.

leave!”

so upset, Eric wasted no time. “Of

expression. “Did you not hear her?

sardonic chuckle. She set the

“Hold on!”

by Linda’s distress, felt compelled to

up a bouquet of yellow calla lilies from a nearby table.

confirmed with a nod.

dismissed her with

she now forbidden even

are you

himself, snatching

it? Had it not been for your actions, his child would be celebrating

gaze pierced hers, immobilizing

can you show your face

suddenly looked away, her shoulders trembling as though she might cry. “Eric, please,

can’t take this!”

Eric redirected his frustration towards Hadley. “Aren’t you going

tightly, seemed rooted to

possibly say

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How Can You Show Your

“Alright, I’m leaving.”

sharply and left without

support. “There’s no

I’ll make sure the staff

her voice choked with

the bus stop closest

stopped

what was she

she need to walk home

evening, it looked like she was in for a

again, it seemed her feet were her only

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