Albert fell silent, snuffing out the cigarette.
In a hushed tone, he instructed, âGo, keep Jeslyn company.
Sheâs always jittery when she wakes.
She needs someone there.
â
As they spoke, a cry echoed from the little girlâs room.
Albert shook his head, rising from his seat and striding toward his daughterâs quarters.
Elsie pondered briefly but stayed put.
In the childrenâs room, Jeslyn awoke to find Jessie gone.
Enraged, she wailed and clenched her tiny fists.
Leaning against the doorframe, Albert sighed.
Once her cries subsided, he murmured, âMiss Greenâs gone, sweetie.
â
Jeslyn burst into tears, asking, âWhy didnât you wake me? What if sheâs out on a date?â
Albertâs gaze held depth.
After a moment, he murmured softly, âSheâs her own person.
I canât keep her from seeing
someone else.
â
Jeslyn was puzzled.
He dr@ped a coat over her, worried she might catch a cold.
Sheâd struggled with health issues since birth.
Still feeling down, she rested her head on his shoulder, grumbling, âElsie said Miss Greenâs your girlfriend.
â
Albert seemed lost for a beat, and then managed a bitter smile.
âShe was.
â
Jeslyn studied him.
After a pause, she said, âDad, youâre hurting too.
â
Hurting?
Albertâs chest tightened.
No, he hurt Jessie, and he deserved everything that made him suffer now.
After leaving Albertâs, Jessie drove aimlessly until around nine oâclock.
Her car sat parked downstairs.
A white car occupied the space in front.
Exiting her vehicle, she spotted Axell.
Approaching him, she queried, âI thought you had work.
What brings you here?â
Axell met her gaze, speaking softly.
âI wrapped up an eight-hour surgery today; it went well.
I just wanted to see you after that.
â
Despite past conflicts, being cared for felt comforting.