Chapter 324

Miranda’s knees buckled, threatening to bring her to her knees. Miranda Sienna, Howard, and Yvette were all shocked. Sienna quickly steadied Miranda, tears welling in her eyes. “Miranda, don’t! I’m the child you raised. I’ll see Josiah. I can’t bear to see you like this.”

“Sienna!” Miranda’s anxiety mounted. “Thank you, dear!”

Sienna turned to Rosie. “Miranda, I’ll take my friend up first. Her eyesight isn’t good, so it’s a bit inconvenient.”

Miranda glanced at Rosie. “Oh? She seems smart and polite. Go ahead. I’ll wait.”

“Okay.” Sienna released Miranda’s hand, joined Rosie, and linked arms with her. “Rosie, let’s go.”

“Okay.” Rosie looked at Miranda. “Miranda, I’m sorry for keeping you.”

“Never mind.” Watching them leave, Miranda sighed. “Rosie is so polite; it’s a shame she’s so young and visually impaired.”

Howard remained silent. Yvette’s eyes widened beside him. She’d noticed something was off with Rosie earlier. Is Rosie blind? she wondered. Why?

Yvette sneered inwardly. Does Howard have a screw loose? How could he be interested in Bobby?

Sienna helped Rosie into the elevator. Taking the opportunity, Rosie disengaged her hand. “Once we’re back at the apartment, I’ll have Tara help me pack. Then I’ll return to the rehab center.”

Sienna frowned. “Why? Unhappy here? Do you feel like a nuisance?”

Rosie smiled softly. “You’re overthinking it. Tara needs to care for Joyce, and you need to go to the hospital. I consider you a friend, and I don’t want to be a burden right now.”

Rosie’s explanation addressed a genuine concern. “Don’t worry, Amy’s care has been lovely. I’ve actually missed her, even after just a few days.”

Sienna was reassured. “Alright, I’ll arrange a car for you soon. Someone from the nursing home will meet you.”

Rosie laughed playfully. “I know. I’m blind, not a child. Plenty of blind people manage just fine.”

Sienna informed Howard. “Howard, could you remind the nursing home staff to wait at the door for Rosie?”

Still uneasy, Sienna went downstairs.

Howard responded, “Don’t worry. I’ll arrange transport.” “Thank you, Howard,” Sienna nodded, surprised.

“No need to thank me. It’s a small favor,” Howard replied.

Sienna found this increasingly odd. It’s a small task, but why does he seem to be doing so many favors for Rosie?

“Howard, Sienna?” Miranda called from the other side. “What are you two talking about? Let’s go.”

“We’re done,” Howard replied.

“Then let’s get in!” Miranda turned, leaned in, and entered the car first, muttering, “I have no idea what they’re talking about.”

Yvette shook her head, silent, but vaguely heard mention of a nursing home.

They drove to the hospital. Josiah lay quietly, as he had yesterday.

Miranda saw Josiah for the first time since the incident. She couldn’t help but think of Howard’s car accident.

“Josiah,” she said. “What’s happened to you? Are you trying to emulate Howard, even now?”

7:07 AM

“Miranda,” Howard said, his voice low, “Josiah’s injuries aren’t serious. Just a head injury. A few scrapes, nothing broken.”

Miranda gently touched Josiah’s cheek. “Yeah, he looks like he’s just sleeping.”

Suddenly, Miranda turned to Sienna, taking her hand. “Sienna, it’s been hard on you. Stay with him, talk to him often. The doctors say Josiah is doing well otherwise.”

Sienna furrowed her brows. “Miranda, I’ll try, but it may not help.”

“It’s okay!” Miranda patted Sienna’s hand, her eyes slightly red. “I don’t want to pressure you, but with him like this, shouldn’t we do our best? You used to be good friends.”

“Mhm.” Sienna nodded, her eyes downcast.

“Howard,” Miranda instructed, “Make sure this place is cleaned up and get everything Sienna might need.” Howard nodded. “Don’t worry, Miranda. I would have done it anyway.”

Miranda sighed, tears welling. “Yes, you and Josiah have always been close, especially after going through life and death together. I’m not worried. Just some extra advice.”

With Josiah’s condition, too many visitors at once weren’t ideal. After a short while, Miranda left with Howard and Yvette, leaving Sienna behind.

Before leaving, Miranda held Sienna’s hand. “Sienna, thank you for all your hard work.”

Sienna pulled up a chair beside Josiah’s bed. She was alone; the nurse was preparing medicine, and the caretaker was busy.

Following the doctor's instructions, Sienna knew her role was to keep Josiah company and talk to him.

What should I say? Sienna thought. Even to help him wake up, I can’t pretend we'll get back together and live happily ever after.

Sienna smirked, her laughter cold and clear. “You’ve got some nerve. Your head’s busted, yet you still dared to rush to Sunshine Neighborhood! So capable, and look at you now. Do you think I’m moved?”

Sienna lowered her gaze. “Josiah, listen. You don’t have the luxury to sleep through this. For Joyce’s sake, you can’t let anything happen to you!”

The ventilator’s rhythmic sound was the only response. Sienna’s eyelashes trembled as she opened her music player and played the song they usually danced to.

“Let me tell you about Joyce,” Sienna said, speaking of what he loved without pretense. “When Joyce was born, she wasn’t small, seven pounds.”

Recalling the past, Sienna smiled softly, her eyes misty. “I didn’t have a big belly, but she wasn’t small. The nurse said it was quite unexpected.”

Joyce was well-behaved, never fussy. Once full, she’d sleep quietly through the night. At six months, when she was weaned from night feedings… Sienna spoke softly as Josiah continued to sleep quietly, without reaction.

That evening, at the Flynn residence, Howard came to say goodnight to Miranda.

Miranda gestured for him to sit. “Howard, you’re just in time. I have something to ask you.”