Waylen to compromise.
He conceded that the decision was ultimately up to Alexis when she woke up.
Evelyn approached with a pillow in her arms, quietly climbing onto the bed and holding Alexisâ arm.
Leonel felt a pang of sadness as he watched.
He leaned over to tuck Evelyn in and asked softly, âCanât fall asleep? How about I tell you a story?â
Evelyn shook her head.
Burying her face in her motherâs arms, she whispered, âI canât hear properly.
â
Leonelâs heart twinged at her words.
Gently stroking Evelynâs hair, he leaned in and whispered, âEvelyn, Iâm sorry.
Itâs all my fault.
â
Tears filled Evelynâs eyes.
At just ten years old, she was burdened with the inability to hear from one ear, and fear gripped her heart.
But when she looked at Leonel, she couldnât help but feel sorry for him.
Her grandfatherâs scolding, her grandmotherâs silence, and her motherâs indifference all weighed heavily on him.
Despite her own struggles, Evelyn knew she had many people who loved her.
But it felt like no one wanted her father.
With tears in her eyes, Evelyn said in a low voice, âDad, Iâm really scared.
But if you come back, it doesnât matter if I canât hear from one ear.
I have another one.
I donât have to pursue being a pianist.
What matters more to me is that you and Mom can be together with me and Danny.
â
Leonelâs heart shattered.
He held Evelyn tightly in his arms and whispered, âI promise Iâll get your ear treated.
â
At that moment, Alexis regained consciousness.
She gazed at them calmly, as if she had heard their conversation.
Leonel tried to speak, but the words failed him.
Noticing Alexis awake, Evelyn rushed into her arms, softly calling her âMom.
â
In the quiet of the night, Evelyn finally drifted off to sleep.
Despite her weakness, Alexis dr@ped a coat over herself and settled on the sofa.
As Leonel approached with a glass of water, he heard her ask, âWhere is Anika?â
Leonel sat across from Alexis, studying her pale face.
In a low voice, he assured her, âIâve taken care of that woman.
You have my word she wonât appear in our lives again and sheâll never be able to hurtâ
âShe wonât appear in our Lives anymore? And never hurt Evelyn again?â
Alexisâ voice was just as soft.
âLeonel, why didnât you take care of her sooner? Because of you, Evelyn is almost deaf mow.
Can you restore her hearing?â