Chapter 74: I Trust What I See
“Can I?” Dickson couldn’t help but ask.
“Of course! You’re still young, and you have plenty of choices.”
Dickson wanted to continue studying, but he was afraid of going to school. Back then, everyone called him the brother of a convict.
Understanding his worries, Sierra said, “You don’t have to go to school. You can study at home, and if there’s anything you don’t understand, you can ask me. If possible, you can take the SAT next year!”
By then, he could leave Maviston. No one there would know about his past. Sierra’s words lit up a spark of hope in Dickson’s eyes. He hadn’t realized his life could still go this way.
After thinking for a moment, he said, “Then I’ll study on my own! That way, I can take care of Grandma too.”
He had a solid academic foundation, so self-study shouldn’t be a problem. Plus, if he struggled, he could always ask Sierra.
Over the past few days, he had talked a lot with Lily and learned just how tough Sierra’s life had been. Even though she wasn’t much older than him, she had already endured so much hardship.
“Alright!” Sierra laughed heartily. “With you staying with Grandma, I’ll feel more at ease.”
She had school and lab work, leaving little time to be with Lily. With Dickson around, they could take care of each other, and she would have one less worry.
“Sierra, can you tell me how Daphne died?” Dickson had been holding onto this question for a long time. He knew her death wasn’t as simple as it seemed.
Sierra looked at him and said, “Just a little longer. I’ll tell you when the time is right.”
“Sierra!” Dickson grew anxious. “You…”
“Don’t worry. I’ll tell you soon. It won’t be long.”
Kason wouldn’t be able to hold back for much longer either. Dickson was still young and impulsive. She didn’t want him to get into trouble. It wasn’t worth risking his life over scum like that. He deserved a better future.
Seeing her insist, Dickson didn’t press further. Then, something suddenly came to mind. “Oh, right! Sierra, Grandma has been chatting with Dr. Zahn a lot these past few days. I think she might be trying to set you up with him.”
“What?” Sierra was stunned, then quickly understood. She knew exactly why Lily was doing this.
Lily was worried she wouldn’t be around much longer and wanted to entrust Sierra to someone reliable. Sierra felt both helpless and touched. Even in her condition, Lily still thought about her future instead of herself.
“Got it. I’ll go talk to Dr. Zahn.”
Sierra patted Dickson’s shoulder, signaling him to go rest. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow when you’re discharged and take you home.”
Dickson watched Sierra’s figure fade into the distance, his eyes brimming with tears. He still had a family. After his mother died, he thought he was alone, that he no longer had a home. But now, someone was telling him they would…
That felt wonderful.
Sierra knocked on Oscar’s office door. Seeing her, Oscar was a little surprised. Thinking she was here to ask about Lily and Dickson’s conditions, he quickly said, “Ms. Xander, your grandma’s condition has stabilized a lot since taking the medication you brought. Her cellular degeneration has slowed down significantly. As for Dickson, his injuries have mostly healed, but I’d still recommend taking him to a therapist after discharge.”
Dickson had been transferred to his care, and from the previous doctor, he had learned what had happened to the boy. It made him just as furious.
“Thank you, Dr. Zahn. I really appreciate all your help,” Sierra said gratefully.
The reason she hadn’t switched doctors all this time was that Oscar was extremely patient and treated his patients well. So even though he was young, she had never considered changing doctors.
“I came because I heard my grandma has been causing you some trouble these past few days,” Sierra said helplessly. “She’s old and worries about me too much, so… I’m really sorry, I’ll talk to her about it.”
Oscar was momentarily stunned, then coughed lightly. “It’s fine. She hasn’t caused me any trouble.”
Then, after a brief pause, he looked at Sierra and couldn’t help but say, “If possible, I’d like to be friends with you.”
Sierra gave him a surprised look. Does he mean what I think he does? Oscar was a young man. She didn’t believe he was unaware of what was online. Her past had been a hot topic on the internet. There was no way he hadn’t heard about it.
As if reading her mind, Oscar said warmly, “I trust what I see for myself. You’re not who the internet claims you to be.”