Chapter 379
I was momentarily stunned. âWhat?â
He shook his head gently, his voice soft. âNothing.â
But the resolve in his eyes ran deep.
When we arrived at the Blessed Care Medical Facility, the medical staff had just emerged from the emergency room.
The director approached us, shaking his head in resignation. âMr. Ferguson, Mrs. Ferguson, we did everything we could, but the illness progressed too rapidly. There was nothing more the doctors could do.â
I needed confirmation, âSo, it was just the illness getting worse?â
The director nodded. âYes.â
My heart sank, tears welling up in my eyes. âIsnât there anything else that can be done? Any method, no matter the costâ¦â
Even though I found out I was a Myers and not really related to my aunt by blood, she was still the one who was always there for me.
The director sighed. âAll possible methods have already been attempted. Mr. Ferguson has taken care of the medical expenses thus far.â
âThank you for everythingâ¦â
I said, my gaze inadvertently drifting towards Bryant. âAnd⦠thank you.â
I had noticed there was still money in my aunt Cherylâs medical account and the hospital hadnât prompted for payment, so I assumed it was sufficient.
Little did I know, Bryant was the one covering the costs.
Bryant spoke softly, âLetâs go see your aunt now.â
âYeah!â
Right then, the nurse wheeled my aunt out of the emergency room.
Back in her room, it wasnât long before Cheryl woke up.
17:40 @
Seeing me, a smile spread across her pale face, âJane, youâre hereâ¦â
I felt guilty; I had been so caught up in my own affairs that I had neglected her. âAuntie, you were in such poor health, why did you lie to me over the phone during the holidays, saying you were fine?â
âI didnât want to worry you over the holidays.â She patted my hand, âBesides, Iâve lived a full life. Whether I live or die, Iâm at peace.â
I turned away, tears falling, and quickly wiped them off. âWhat about Leroy Brown? Why isnât he here?â
âWellâ¦â Cheryl gave a bitter smile, âItâs been a long time since he visited. If it werenât for you and Bryant, I might have already passed away.â
âAuntieâ¦â
Seeing her weak state, I stood up. âIâll call him, make him come.â
Cheryl stopped me, a look of utter disappointment on her face. âJane, let it be. Iâve come to terms with not having him in my life. The bonds between parents and children can be fickle, and if itâs time to let go, then so be it.â
I held her hand, âItâs okay, you still have me.â
âYes, thankfully I have you.â
Cheryl sighed, glancing at Bryant standing behind me, advising, âSilly girl, I can tell Bryant cares a lot about you. Cherish the people in your life so you donât end up alone on a hospital bed like me.â
âDonât worry.â
Bryant, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up with conviction, âNo matter what happens, I will take care of Jane.â
I didnât want to upset Cheryl any further, so I didnât argue or respond.
âThatâs all I needed to hear,â she said with a gentle smile, her strength seemingly fading. She then looked at my neck, âAre you wearing the locket?â.
âYes, I am. See, Iâve been wearing it all along,â I reassured her, pulling out the locket from under my shirt and showing it to her. Finally, with hesitation, I asked, âAuntie, Uncle wasnât just speaking out of anger, was he? Iâm⦠not really a Webster, am I?â
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