Ethan's car happened to be heading in the opposite direction when he saw the traffic light ahead turn red. Just then, he received a message from Madelyn: [Ethan, where are you?]

Ethan always kept his phone close to him. Whenever he saw her message, he would respond promptly. However, this time he made a deliberate decision to turn off his phone.

George glanced at the rearview mirror. "Is that a message from Ms. Jent? Has she discovered something?"

"Probably... but I don't want to deceive her," Ethan neither confirmed nor denied. He wished to wait a little longer, until he could stand on his own two feet once again. Then, she would see him in his entirety, rather than as a broken and disabled man.

George added, "Maybe she wouldn't mind, though?"

"It's not about whether she minds or not. I mind. Let's head back home!" Ethan wearily closed his eyes. The recent incident had been a close call. Fortunately, he had purposely lingered near the hospital entrance. If he had left at that mom