Chapter 311
“Yannis,” Zinnia said gently, “go on back. Don’t worry about me. Nathan and I will return to the small town.”
Nathan only had three months left. Every single moment was precious. Zinnia and the others couldn’t stay in Jinston for long.
In his final days, Nathan longed to return to the small town where he and Zinnia had grown up together.
Whether he could be cured or not, Nathan wanted to spend his remaining days by Zinnia’s side.
The small town was better stocked with medicinal herbs for his treatment.
Yannis was in the midst of his busiest period, but he still wanted to accompany Nathan and Zinnia back. Both of them gently declined his offer.
Yannis said, “Have a safe trip. If anything comes up, call me right away. I’ve arranged for a top medical team to accompany you back.”
Though both Nathan and Zinnia were skilled in medicine, having a medical team on standby remained essential.
“Sure,” Zinnia replied. Both she and Nathan understood Yannis’ good intentions and didn’t decline.
“Zinnia, I’ll wait for you on the plane,” Nathan said, turning slightly as he noticed Yannis’ gaze lingering on her.
“Let me help you up, Nathan,” Zinnia said softly as she reached out to steady him.
It was cold now. Nathan was bundled up in a black down jacket, a gray scarf wrapped around his neck and half-covering his mouth and nose, revealing only his pale, sickly face.
Without medication to suppress his symptoms, his frailty was painfully evident. His gait was unsteady, and his clothes hung loosely on his thin, hollow frame, as if they were empty sacks.
Nathan chuckled softly, “No need. Take your time saying goodbye to Yannis. We’ll come back when we can.” He gently ruffled Zinnia’s hair.
Nathan made his way onto the plane while Zinnia and Yannis watched him with concerned eyes.
They both knew Nathan didn’t want them treating him like someone who needed constant care.
Zinnia looked up at Yannis, her gaze lingering on his handsome features, and said softly, “When you go back, please take good care of yourself.
“Eat regular meals, and don’t just brush them off, or you’ll end up hurting your health.”
After he helped them out all this time, dark circles had formed visibly under Yannis’ eyes, a clear sign of his exhaustion. Yannis was worried not only about Zinnia but also about Nathan.
“Don’t worry about me,” Yannis said softly. “When you get back, make sure to eat well. As for Nathan’s condition, rest assured.
“We’ll do everything we can. I’ve already sent people to look for the medicine. You need to take good care of yourself, too. Only then can you help Nathan.”
As he spoke, Yannis gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind Zinnia’s ear, his gaze lingering on her thin face, unable to hide the concern in his eyes.
These past days had taken their toll. She was visibly thinner, her once round, delicate face now drawn with exhaustion, and her voice was hoarse.
Nathan’s situation had hit her hard. Night after night, she tossed and turned, consumed by thoughts of how to save him. She lost her appetite completely.
No matter how they coaxed her, she could barely eat a thing. Not even her favorite meat could tempt her anymore.
“Okay.” Zinnia lowered her head, her voice hoarse with exhaustion. “Yannis, I’m counting on you to find the medicine.” Zinnia’s usual vitality had visibly drained away.
“Don’t worry,” Yannis said. “I’ll let you know as soon as I get any news.” Even without her asking, Yannis would give it his all.
“Here, this is for you,” Zinnia said. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a box, no bigger than the palm of her hand.
Yannis lowered his gaze. “What’s this?”
Zinnia said softly, “Here’s your birthday gift. Nathan isn’t well enough for long journeys, and I can’t leave him alone. I’m afraid I won’t make it to your birthday celebration, so I wanted to give you your gift in advance.”
Nathan’s health was so fragile. He could take a turn for the worse at any moment. Even back in their small town, Zinnia couldn’t bring herself to leave him alone at home.
Yannis’ birthday was just nine days away. Zinnia figured she probably wouldn’t make it in time.
“Thanks,” Yannis replied, accepting the birthday gift.
Zinnia looked at him. “You’re not allowed to open it early, okay? You have to wait until your birthday to unwrap it.”
Yannis gently patted her head. “Alright, I promise I won’t open it before my birthday. Don’t worry about my birthday. Just take care of yourself. That would be the greatest gift for me, okay?”
Worried she might blame herself for not keeping her promise, Yannis leaned down, met her eyes, and gave her a gentle, reassuring smile.
Zinnia gazed into his beautiful eyes and nodded softly. “I’ll take good care of myself. You must do the same, Yannis.”
“Mr. Perkins, it’s almost time.” Toby reminded him. Zinnia and Nathan were about to board the plane back to Yellowsin.
“Got it.” Yannis nodded. He looked down at her again and said softly, “If you need anything after you get back, just call me, okay? I’ll come find you as soon as I finish up here.”
“Okay.” Zinnia nodded, pressing her lips together. “Yannis, I’m leaving.”
“Go on,” Yannis said softly, watching as she made her way toward the plane, step by step.
Zinnia could feel Yannis’ gaze lingering on her back, her steps unconsciously slowing. Suddenly, she came to an abrupt halt. Without thinking, she spun around and dashed straight toward Yannis.
Yannis was caught off guard as Zinnia suddenly threw her arms around him, her petite frame nestled against his chest. He lowered his gaze and gently wrapped his arms around her. “What’s wrong?” he murmured.
“Yannis, promise me you’ll take care of yourself.” Zinnia rested her head against his chest, nuzzling him like a tired kitten, her voice soft and weary.
Yannis lowered his head, resting his chin gently on top of her hair as he tightened his embrace. “Alright, I promise. You must take care of yourself, too. When I’m done here, I’ll come find you.”
“Okay,” Zinnia murmured.
Realizing it was time, Zinnia stepped out of his embrace. This time, she left without hesitation—without looking back, without turning around.
Yannis stood at the back, watching as the airplane door slowly closed. Only when it was completely shut did Zinnia finally let out a shaky breath, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Nathan approached her and said softly, “Zinnia?”
“Nathan,” she replied. Seeing him, Zinnia quickly wiped the tears from her eyes.
Nathan looked at her and said gently, “If you’re reluctant to leave, then we won’t.” If she wanted to stay in Jinston, then that was where they’d stay.
Zinnia shook her head lightly. “No, I want to go back to the small town.” Compared to Jinston, the small town truly felt like home for both Zinnia and Nathan.
Given Nathan’s fragile health, returning to familiar surroundings was the best thing for him. Still, Zinnia found it hard to say goodbye to Yannis.
Nathan gently wiped the tear from her cheek with his thumb and whispered, “We’ll be back.”
Zinnia nodded. “Yes.” They would return—of that she was certain.
They took their seats in silence. It would be a four-hour flight to Yellowsin.
Yannis made his way to the observation deck and watched as the plane slowly ascended into the sky, his eyes following it every step of the way.
After this departure, it was likely they wouldn’t see each other for a long time. Zinnia couldn’t leave Nathan’s side. Nathan’s condition could deteriorate at any moment.
As the year drew to a close, Yannis was swamped with all kinds of tasks and still had to search for the medicine. He was stretched impossibly thin.