, So, it was all just a figment of my imagination, even the words my dad said were just echoes in my mind., They've been gone for ten years now. How could I possibly hear their voices?, Standing there, lost in thought, the last sliver of light from outside vanished, plunging the room into darkness. The overwhelming sadness of never being able to see my parents again finally broke through, and I couldn't hold back my tears., That night, my sleep was anything but peaceful, filled with dreams of my mom and dad., Waking up felt like I had been lifting weights all night, my whole body was drained., I tried to get up, but it just wasn't happening., Suddenly, it hit me - I was sick. Touching my forehead, it felt warm.,

"Licia, you awake?

" Ernest's voice came from outside the door., I tried to respond, but my voice was nothing more than a hoarse whisper, and my throat felt as if I'd swallowed a blade., I had no choice but to text him: I'm sick, come in with your key., He had a key, a precaution I'd insisted on., In no time, I heard the door open, followed by Ernest's hurried footsteps., His cool hand touched my forehead, easing the feverish heat, a relief so profound I wanted to lean into it., Pulling away, he said,

"Licia, you've got a fever. I'm taking you to the hospital.

", I was in so much discomfort, I grabbed his hand and placed it back on my face. The next moment, he kissed my forehead,

"It's okay, I'm here. Let's get you to the hospital.

", Trying to ignore the pain in my throat, I managed,

"Medicine. Some medicine should do.

",

"Medicine first, then hospital,

" Ernest said, gently caressing my face before going to fetch some., Soon, he was back with water and pills, lifting me up to take them., After a moment, he said,

"We should still get you checked out at the hospital.

", I started, kiss, my forehead stopped r, y you suddenly have aet, be safe. We need to, , He was always cautious about health issues, especially after what happened with Susie. I knew that., Not wanting to argue, I let him take me to, hospital. By the time we, than the one, got the fever had subsided, thanks to the medicine. ,

"I'm fine now, no need for tests,

" I said, mostly because I was terrified of needles, especially drawing blood.

"Let's just see the doctor,

" Ernest insisted., Unable to argue further, I agreed to a check-up, and, as expected, the doctor suggested a blood test., That was my biggest fear, but I had forgotten I wasn't alone; Ernest was with me., Covering my eyes with his hand, he whispered,

"I'll take you out for dinner tonight. Mr. Smith invited us.

" This dinner invitation was out of the blue. Why would Grant Smith invite both of us?, I was puzzled but before I could ask, the nurse announced,

"All done.

", Ernest removed his hand, placing it on my arm instead., Glancing at my arm, then back at the nurse, I realized my blood had been drawn without me feeling a thing. Apart from the nurse's skill, I knew it was Ernest's way of distracting me that made me oblivious to any pain., Having a boyfriend who truly loves you can even make sickness feel like a stroke of luck.,

"After drawing so much blood, let's get you something nice to eat,

" Ernest suggested as we waited for the results, leading me to a diner across from the hospital. , As soon as we entered, I spotted a familiar face. It was Fanny., Just as I was about to approach her, Ernest pulled me back, gesturing for me to look elsewhere., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.