Chapter 285

She carried him on her back, struggling as she said, "Don't be afraid. I'll carry you down the hill. I'll take you to a policeman." Her body shook, her voice trembling even as she spoke. She was afraid, yet she comforted him. "You're so heavy" she murmured occasionally.

"I'm sorry," he apologized.

"Hehe. When you get better, you can carry me to even things out," she said with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.

He never imagined a girl younger than him would protect him.

"I'll carry you in the future," he promised. He vowed silently to always carry her, no matter the difficulty.

Where was she? For years, he regretted letting go of her hand. If he hadn't, would she still be with him? But Grace wasn't her. "Where are you?" he whispered.

Silence answered him.

Meanwhile, Grace resigned from the Sanitation Service Center. The director was surprised.

"You're quitting? What's wrong? Dissatisfied with your salary? If sweeping is too tiring, I can transfer you to an office position," he offered. He'd recently received a leave request for her from the management department, an event that had left him momentarily stunned.

Earlier, some employees had tried to get rid of Grace. But then, the director received a call from his superior, instructing him to prevent discrimination. He suspected Sean Stevens, Grace's ex-boyfriend, might be involved. When he voiced this, he received a cryptic reply: "The person behind her is someone even Sean Stevens can't afford to offend."

A shiver ran down his spine. He'd been ready to accommodate Grace, only to be met with her resignation.

"I'll pass," Grace said, shaking her head. She'd never seen the director so eager to retain a sweeper. He clearly knew something.