Chapter 326

Rosie was at the care home. Amy bundled her in a coat, hat, and scarf. Rosie chuckled, “It’s just a few steps; isn’t this excessive?”

“It’s necessary. How could it not be?” Amy, older than Rosie, replied disapprovingly. “It’s windy outside. Better to be cautious.”

“Alright, I’ll listen to you, Amy,” Rosie said. “Let’s go.”

Amy smiled, linking arms with Rosie as they walked out the door. Since it was Christmas Day, the care home had organized New Year’s activities, gathering residents who couldn’t go home to prevent loneliness. Participation, of course, was voluntary.

Amy persuaded Rosie to join. Reaching the activity room, Amy found a seat and helped Rosie sit. “Ms. Miller, wait here a moment. I’ll get you some snacks. There will be a show soon; we can enjoy it together.”

“Okay,” Rosie nodded with a smile, removing her coat and placing it on the chair beside her to save Amy’s place. Suddenly, she realized someone had moved it. “Excuse me,” she said, her eyes widening as she turned to the person. “My caregiver sits here. I can’t see well, and she helps me. Could you please find another seat?”

Howard remained seated. Rosie’s eyes widened further. This person is annoyed, she thought. How rude and inconsiderate!

Howard casually placed her coat on the chair beside him and looked at her. Hmm? Is she upset? he thought. He smiled. “I asked your caregiver to move over one seat. Is that alright?”

Rosie thought, That voice… Surprised, she murmured, “It’s you…”

Howard nodded. “Yes, it’s me. Happy New Year.”

Rosie’s expression softened into a gentle smile. “Happy New Year. Didn’t you go home for Christmas?”

“Yeah, I just got back. How about you?”

“Me too,” Rosie replied.

Amy returned with two plates of snacks. Seeing Howard, they nodded quietly. Howard took a plate and offered it to Rosie. “Let me take this. If you need help, just ask.”

Rosie smiled gratefully, thinking how kind he was. She offered, “Thanks. You can help yourself too; I can’t see well, so you’ll need to get your own.”

“Thanks,” Howard said.

“You’re welcome,” Rosie replied.

Onstage, a performance began. Rosie listened to the lively sounds, while Howard, unconcerned with the show, focused on Rosie’s eyes. Are they still swollen? Is her head still hurting? he wondered.

He swallowed and softly asked, “Are your eyes alright?”

“Hmm?” Rosie turned to him, paused, and laughed. “They’re okay, except I can’t see.”

Howard frowned. “I heard that some people can’t see, but still feel pain and discomfort. How about you?”

Rosie tilted her head curiously. “So others experience this too? I wasn’t feeling well yesterday, but after seeing the doctor and taking some medicine, I feel much better now.”

Howard felt relieved the medicine seemed to be working. Rosie blinked, looking at him in confusion. “By the way, your voice… you sound quite young. Why are you living in a nursing home?” Howard was momentarily speechless.

“I’m sorry,” Rosie realized she’d asked something inappropriate. “Did I offend you? You don’t have to answer. I’m sorry…”

“It’s okay,” Howard said softly, looking at her calm face. “A few years ago, I suffered a severe injury. I’m still recovering, and the environment here is good. I come regularly to recuperate.”

“I understand,” Rosie replied. Even though he wasn’t well, he still jumped into the lake to save me. He has a kind heart.

Rosie found a piece of candy and offered it to Howard. “Here, a sweet treat for the New Year. Things will only improve.”

“Okay,” Howard took the candy, a smile spreading across his lips.

After the event, Howard walked behind Rosie as they returned. At her door, he stopped her. “Hold on.”

Rosie turned. “What’s the matter?”

Howard produced a small box from his pocket—a pencil case. He handed it to Rosie. “This is for you, a New Year’s gift.”

Rosie was surprised. Given our relationship, how can I accept a gift from him? she thought. She quickly waved her hand, refusing. “I can’t accept this.”

“Just take it,” Howard said. “The company gave them out at the year-end party, and I don’t need it. If you don’t want it, I’ll throw it away.”

Rosie hesitated. “Okay, thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Howard replied.

Rosie accepted the case, rubbing it gently. “What is this?” As a designer, she quickly identified it. Her eyes widened. “Is it a drawing pen?”

Howard nodded. “Yes. I wasn’t sure if you’d find it useful.”

Rosie smiled. “I definitely will. I’m in design.”

Howard raised an eyebrow. “Really? Isn’t that convenient? A happy accident, I’d say.”

It was a pleasant surprise. Rosie laughed. “Then I’ll keep it.”

“Yep,” Howard said.

Rosie turned to go inside but stopped, remembering something. “By the way, we haven’t introduced ourselves. My name is Rosie.”

“My name is Hendrix,” Howard replied.

Rosie softly repeated, smiling as she held up the pencil case. “Hendrix, thanks for the pencil. Once my eyes are better, I’ll make good use of it.”

“Okay.” Howard waited for Amy to help Rosie inside and close the door before he turned to leave. As he looked up, his eyes darkened.

Outside, by the flower bed, Yvette stood, her eyes filled with shock and disbelief. Howard frowned, quickly descended the steps, and went to her. Without a word, he grabbed her wrist. “Let’s talk outside.”

Yvette, dazed and with a throbbing headache, hadn’t fully recovered when Howard pulled her from the courtyard. Suddenly, she snapped back to reality. “Howard! Let go of me!”

Howard turned back, his tone serious. “Calm down. Whatever you want to know or ask, I’ll tell you.”

“Really?” Yvette’s eyes reddened as she let out a bitter laugh. “Are you ready to talk now? Didn’t you keep assuring me you hadn’t betrayed me or seen someone else?”

Howard furrowed his brows, remaining silent.

“Speak up!” Yvette’s eyes blazed with anger as she grabbed his collar. “Howard, have you gone mute?”