Chapter 618 Justin Having a Relapse

After finally breaking free from that prison, Justin always forgot what he did when his condition took over. When it wasn’t too bad, it lasted only 10 or 15 minutes. When it got worse, it could last a whole day.

“H–how is this possible? You’re supposed to be fine. The doctors said you’re fine. Why would it come back now?”

“Is it because of the guilt over Tilda? The illness she once freed him from… now coming back because of her hatred?”

The thought drained the color from Darell’s face. If Justin’s condition really came back, the whole family would be heartbroken.

Justin realized it too. His whole body shook with fear. He didn’t want to relapse. He didn’t want to worry his family again or become a burden. Clutching Darell’s arm like it was his last lifeline, Justin whispered with trembling lips, “Darell, please, don’t tell anyone. Okay? Things are already a mess. Mom and Kyla are dealing with enough. And with Tilda’s situation, I don’t want them worrying about me. They don’t need more pressure.”

Darell agreed. “I get it. That’s the best choice. Don’t worry, Justin. You were cured before. This is probably just because you’re exhausted from caring for Mom and everything happening with our sisters. You’re drained, not sick again. Rest up–I’ll take you to the doctor later just to be sure.”

Hearing Darell’s calm voice, Justin slowly relaxed. He muttered, half to Darell, half to himself, “Yeah, that’s it. That has to be it. Darell, I’m so tired. I’m going to rest. Call me when it’s time to leave for Sky Dining.”

It sounded like he was trying to comfort himself, planting a thought deep in his mind. Because if he really slipped back into his old state, Justin would rather die. He wouldn’t be the only one suffering; Justin would drag down the people he loved most.

By now, his forehead was covered in sweat. He staggered away, barely steady on his feet. Worried, Darell decided to walk him back to his room.

On the stairs, they ran into Kyla. “Darell, Justin… Are you two okay? You both look pale.”

Justin flinched at her concern. Kyla caught his reaction sharply. She noticed the sweat soaking through his shirt. What was going on with him?

Darell spoke calmly. “It’s fine. Justin’s probably just tired. I’ll take him to rest for a while.” He wrapped an arm around Justin and led him toward his room.

“Are you sure he’s okay? Justin, do you need to see a doctor?” she asked.

“No, I’m fine.”

But sweat was already forming on Justin’s forehead again. He clutched Darell’s arm tightly. Darell could tell his brother’s emotions were fragile, dangerously close to being swallowed by those dark thoughts again. He quickly led Justin away, almost as if escaping.

Kyla stayed where she was, eyes narrowing. Something was clearly wrong with Justin. She remembered when they were kids–before his autism improved–Russell and Blair often rushed him back to his room the same way.

No way. Could his autism be coming back? Wasn’t he cured?

Kyla’s eyes shifted as her thoughts spun. She wasn’t sure what was really happening with Justin, but she made a mental note. With everything that had happened lately, it wouldn’t be shocking if his autism came back. And if it did, even better. The more chaos in the family, the easier it would be for her to reach her goals.

Night fell. The Jensons headed to their reservation at Sky Dining.

After a short nap, Justin’s condition improved. He looked steadier, though he still spaced out from time to time. Darell leaned close, speaking just loud enough for Justin to hear. “Are you okay now?”

“I’m fine. Really, I feel much better.” Justin gave him a reassuring smile. Then his eyes moved to the front, where Blair and Russell walked hand in hand, laughing happily. “I don’t want what happened earlier to ruin dinner for everyone. Look at them–everyone’s smiling. Just seeing that makes me feel better. It makes me believe my autism won’t come back.”

Darell pressed his lips into a thin line. “Tomorrow I’ll take you to the doctor. Don’t overthink it, Justin. Keeping a good mindset is the best way to stop it from returning. We cured it once–we won’t let it return and hurt you again.”

Justin’s eyes softened. “Thank you, Darell.”

Together, the family stepped into Sky Dining. They didn’t know.

As the Jensons stepped into the elevator …