Chapter 119

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to overstep,” Jennifer said. “I just think you must have had a hard time.”

Teresa sighed. “It’s okay.” It was her birthday a few days ago, and Evelyn hadn’t even bothered to wish her a happy birthday. Teresa thought, ‘She must have forgotten. After all, it’s been years since she last remembered.’

Jennifer continued, “I’m just like you. I don’t have any family either. I work hard on my own, live on my own… Everything I do… I did it alone.”

A hint of sympathy surfaced in Teresa’s eyes. “You must have had it tough too, Dr. Nelson.”

Jennifer glanced at Teresa. “Actually, I do have a younger sister, but…” She trailed off, pausing for a moment. “It was her birthday a few days ago, on January 16th, and I didn’t even wish her a happy birthday.”

Teresa was puzzled. “Why?”

Jennifer replied, “I don’t have her contact information. It’s been years since I last saw her.”

“What a coincidence. My birthday’s on January 16th too. How old is your sister?” asked Teresa.

“She’s your age,” Jennifer remarked.

As the car pulled up to Golden Residence, Jennifer added Teresa on WhatsApp, thanking her as she exited the car. Teresa grabbed the cake from the passenger seat and said, “You forgot your cake.”

Jennifer smiled. “You can have it. I don’t feel like eating cake anymore.”

“No, I can’t…” Teresa shook her head.

Jennifer replied, “Take it home for your child. Seeing you reminded me of my sister, whom I haven’t seen in years. I often think about her; she used to be a quirky little crybaby, but she’s probably changed now that she’s all grown up. She must have had it tough all these years… I wish I could do more for her, but…”

Pausing mid-sentence, she sniffed. “Look at me, rambling on and on. Why am I telling you this? Anyway, drive safe.”

“I use this brand all the time. You should try it.” Teresa tossed two boxes of face masks out the car window before driving off.

Unfortunately, Teresa fell ill. At home, she came down with a fever, her body weak and her throat painfully sore. She was in no condition to go to work. Michael wanted to call Jonathan and ask him to make some tasty gruel, but Miriam beat him to it and secretly called Jonathan first.

She said, “Teresa’s running a high fever. My fridge is empty, so can you grab some food and come over?”

Jonathan sounded anxious. “Why are you only calling me now?”

Miriam replied, “Teresa wouldn’t let me tell you, so I had to wait for her to fall asleep before calling you.”

Jonathan pursed his lips. “Got it. Thank you.” He was in the middle of a meeting and didn’t hesitate to put everything on hold.

When Jonathan arrived at Begonia Estates, he knocked on the door, and Miriam opened it carefully. “Took you long enough.”

As soon as Jonathan entered, Michael hugged his leg. “Mr. Daddy Lime, I’ve missed you so much!”

Jonathan, delighted to see Michael, patted his head and pinched his chin. “You’ve grown taller again.”

Miriam cleared her throat. “Kids grow fast at this age. Mike, I’ll take you out to play. Let Mr. Lime take care of Ms. Johnston.”

Michael nodded and waved Jonathan goodbye reluctantly.

Meanwhile, Teresa lay under the covers, her pale, sickly face the only part of her visible. A damp towel rested on her forehead.

Jonathan removed the towel and was about to feel her forehead when she said, “Miriam… I’m thirsty. Get me some water.”

Jonathan tucked his hand into his pocket and left without a word. When he returned, he placed a glass of water by her bedside. She had drifted back to sleep, as if her earlier words had been nothing more than sleep talk.

Jonathan sat on the edge of the bed, watching her for a moment before gently tucking her hand back under the covers.

Moments later, Jonathan brought the ingredients to the kitchen and began making soup. With practiced ease, he peeled the oranges, adding a pinch of salt before simmering them into the pot.

Back in the bedroom, Teresa’s eyes fluttered open. The room was dark and quiet, the curtains drawn tight, making her feel utterly alone.

“Miriam?” she called out weakly, but no one responded. She tried to sit up but couldn’t muster any strength. Helpless, she called out again, “Miriam? Are you there?”

The door opened with a slow creak, and Teresa squinted, trying to get a better look. All she could see was a silhouette in the doorway, and she assumed it was Miriam.

“Miriam, leave the lights on for me. I’m scared.”

The bedroom light came on with a click. In the bright light, Teresa saw it was Jonathan. She moved her parched lips and spoke stiffly. “What are you doing here?”

Jonathan didn’t answer her question. Instead, he poured her another glass of water and placed it next to her. “Would you like some more water? I’ll help you up.”

“No, thank you. You can leave. Where’s Miriam? Ask her to come back.” Teresa said, thinking, ‘Did she betray me again?’

“I’ll call her now.” Jonathan turned and exited the room, switching on all the lights in Miriam’s house.

Miriam returned with Michael sound asleep on her back. Jonathan’s gaze fell on Michael, and he caressed the boy’s head while saying, “I made some hot soup for her; it’s in the pot. When she wakes up, serve her some.”

“All right. You’re a real lifesaver. Honestly, I wouldn’t know who else to contact besides you. I can’t even cook,” said Miriam.

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. “Why isn’t she living at Rosary Estates anymore?”

“Of course it’s because…” Miriam hesitated, faltering for a moment before correcting herself, “Because you’ve been visiting her so often, especially late at night. She’s annoyed.”

Jonathan replied, “Have her move back there. I won’t visit her anymore.” 0 Likes