Chapter 117: Taking You Home

Mom completely agreed. Since Elsa's depression diagnosis, our entire family had been on edge. Even Mom and Dad avoided speaking harshly to her, afraid of upsetting her.

“I’ve already consulted the doctor,” I said. “They can prescribe medication that won’t affect her cognitive function. Besides, she’s shown self-harming tendencies. The doctor strongly recommends hospitalization.”

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Elsa tightening her grip on her blanket.

Mom, having never dealt with this before, nodded, signaling me to continue.

“The hospital has a specialized psychiatric unit. The rooms are designed to eliminate dangers. Keeping her there for a while would be much safer than letting her stay at home.”

Elsa gasped, panic flashing across her face. “No!” she blurted.

She looked helplessly at Jack, biting her lip, fear etched on her face. Jack immediately snapped, “Why should she be locked up? Elsa gets scared easily. How could you even think of leaving her alone in a hospital?”

I smiled. “This is the best way to help her get better. You don’t want her to suffer forever, do you? What if she has an episode and you’re not around? Wouldn’t you regret it for the rest of your life?”

That struck a nerve. Jack never complained about Elsa's illness; he never thought she was being dramatic. But he was terrified of losing her. As soon as I said that, his resolve began to waver. He knew he couldn’t always be by her side.

Seeing her only ally wavering, Elsa panicked. She clung to Jack’s sleeve, tears streaming down her face. “Jack, if the medication won’t affect my mind, I promise I’ll take it. I’ll cooperate. Just don’t leave me alone in the hospital, okay?”

Elsa was truly panicking. If admitted, she would be cut off from the outside world, unable to do anything, trapped among other patients. She would never accept that.

Her desperate pleas reached Jack. He glared at me and scoffed, “You heard her. Elsa will take her medication. Stop trying to lock her up.”

I shrugged. “Doesn’t matter to me.” I simply wanted to see how she planned to fake another episode once she was taking her medication regularly.

My goal achieved, I said goodbye to Mom, reminding her to rest. Then, feeling satisfied, I left the hospital ward. Walking down the hallway, I quickly edited the video I’d just recorded, keeping only Elsa’s statement clearing my name and my concern for her. My caption read, “Liars always get what they deserve.” After posting it, I locked my phone and sighed contentedly. Elsa would probably behave for a while. I could finally have some peace.

“Why are you smiling like that?” Eric leaned against the wall at the corner of the hallway, amusement flickering in his eyes.

“Obviously because I just took care of something annoying,” I said, stepping closer, meeting his gaze. “Was this a coincidence? Were you waiting for me on purpose, huh?” I emphasized “purpose,” watching the amusement in his eyes deepen.

“I’m here to take you home,” Eric took a step forward, closing the distance. His warm breath brushed against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. My heart warmed as I lifted my gaze to meet his. The empty hallway suddenly felt charged with unspoken tension. I knew I should step away, but I couldn’t bring myself to move.