Chapter 39
Chapter 39:
The sound of the bathroom door interrupted her reflections. A caregiver appeared, carrying a basin of water. Upon noticing Hadley’s tear-streaked face, the caregiver nodded courteously.
“Hello.”
“Hi.” Hadley offered her hand. “Are you going to wipe his face?”
“No, I’m actually here to shave him,” the caregiver replied.
Understanding, Hadley observed Ernest’s face, noting the thick stubble that shaded his jaw. “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 the towel, Hadley dampened it and used it to warm Ernest’s face. She then spread shaving cream over his face and began 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.
“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.
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“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.”
“Is that so?” Hadley responded smoothly, maintaining steady eye contact.
“You just got here, and now you’re already sending me away? What’s troubling you, Linda? Feeling guilty about something?”
Linda’s expression darkened. “What are you suggesting?”
“What am I suggesting?” Hadley’s voice carried a mocking tone as she gestured towards Ernest. “Eric isn’t here, so there’s no need to keep up the act.” Her eyes then flicked to Linda’s abdomen. “What really happened back then? Can you live with your deceit, fooling everyone, even yourself? Think about it, Linda. Do you truly deserve Ernest?”
Linda looked bewildered. “What exactly are you implying?”
Hadley scoffed. “All these years, don’t you feel any remorse when you see Ernest?”
“I’m lost at your meaning!”
Visibly enraged, Linda gestured towards the exit. “Leave now! You have no place here!”