, Ernest and I? There's nothing going on, really. It's just that his deceit sits heavy on my heart, but that's a secret I can't spill to Susie., Her heart's fragile, and she's got this knack for worrying over every little thing.,

"Us? Oh, come on,

" I said with a laugh,

"you've seen us together. You know the score.

", Susie looked at me, those bright eyes of hers almost too much to meet head-on. They were so pure, it felt like my gaze alone could tarnish them., I lifted my hand to shield myself from her stare,

"Honestly, it's nothing. If you don't believe me, grill your brother when we get back.

",

"Licia,

" Susie wrapped her arms around mine, resting her head on my shoulder,

"if Ernie's done something wrong, just smack him around but please, don't leave him.

", Her plea was so gentle, it tugged at my heartstrings. I nudged her head with mine,

"Okay, I'll let you deal with him.

", Susie nodded,

"Licia, I'm always on your side.

", How scared she must be of losing me., It was the first time I realized how much someone else valued me.,

"Licia, if Ernie lost me and then you left him, he'd be so lost,

" Susie suddenly said out of the blue.,

"Don't say such silly things. Nothing's going to happen to you,

" I reassured her., Susie fell silent, and I knew her mind was a whirlwind of unease and fear., Nobody wants to think about not being there anymore, not Susie, not Herschel either., But life has its cruel moments, throwing hurdles their way for no apparent reason., I changed the subject to lighten the mood, talking about a concert we were looking forward to, when Fanny called.

"You still with Susie?

"

"Yeah, what's up, Dr. Willis?

",

"Somebody dropped off a bunch of, lychees for me. I want you to take some over to that kid,

" Fanny, the head nurse, was strict about not accepting gifts, but she always shared whatever came her way with everyone else. ,

"Sure, I'll head over now,

" I said, glad for the excuse to step out after a long chat with Susie., When I got to Fanny's, she had a, , ว, package ready for me, not just lychees but cherries and blueberries too. She was already in surgery, so her assistant handed it over. , I was struggling a bit with the load when I heard a friendly voice,

"Need a hand?

", Looking up, I saw Mack Craig, not waiting for an answer before he reached out to take the fruits from me.,

"I've got it, really,

" I said, even though it was a lost cause.,

"Where are you headed?

" Mack started to ask but then hesitated., After swallowing hard, he continued,

"Which floor?

",

"Surgical ward, twelfth floor.

",

"Got it. I'll help you there,

" he said, striding ahead., I followed, recalling something he'd shared with me before.

"How's your mentor doing these days?

", Mack's grip on the fruits tightened as he replied,

"Same as before.

",

"You're still keeping her company every day?

" I couldn't help but ask.

"Yeah.

", Hearing him say that, even though, I've, Ernest say the same, felt Mack, like, ant coming from Maten,, a weight on my chest., belongs to en.swnove, I took a deep breath,

"Doesn't she have anyone else?

", He was quiet for a moment,

"There are others, but it's been nearly two years. Patience wears thin.

", His words cast a shadow over my heart, and before I could stop myself, I blurted out,

"Can I visit her now?

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