GoodReadEverett finally understood why Dorothy wouldn't allow him to attend her mother's memorial.
Indeed. He had no right to be there.
That place was forever beyond his worth.
He knew what he needed to do now was to help Dorothy leave the confines of Swevia County, and pursue the life she was meant to lead, but there were only three days left. The final three days.
Call him selfish or hypocritical, Everett had given himself this last deadline.
When Dorothy found him, he was sitting on the hospital steps, lost in thought.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe evening air was still crisp, and a gentle breeze played with the hem of his silk pajama top, which glinted in the pale moonlight.
She didn't disturb him, just quietly took a seat on a nearby bench.
Perhaps, they both needed this moment of calm.
Time ticked slowly by until Dorothy felt the chill, rubbing her arms for warmth.
That was when Everett spoke without even looking back, "You should go inside." "I'll sit for a while longer, then I'll head back in." He knew she was there? But he hadn't glanced her way, not once.
Dorothy pressed her lips together, remaining seated on the cold marble bench.
As the night grew darker and colder, the stone beneath her seemed to freeze.
Usually, by this time, Everett would have stood up and urged her to come inside, nagging her a little in the process.
But now, he remained motionless.
A minute later, Everett finally got up.
Just as Dorothy thought he was coming over to escort her inside, he walked straight past her without a second's glance.
She didn't get even a half-second of eye contact.
Dorothy hadn't anticipated things turning out this way, nor had she expected Everett to use a video as a test.
He must be disappointed now.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBut the truth he had uncovered was indisputable, and she had nothing to argue against it.
She followed him back to the ward, keeping a not-too-close, not-too-distant gap between them, but they did not walk side by side.
As they neared the room, Everett pushed the door open and entered without looking back to see if she was following.
Dorothy paused, her phone ringing at that moment.
Looking down, she saw it was Karen.
"Hey, Dorothy, Kenneth's in the hospital.” "What happened to Kenneth?" "After you and Everett left, he locked himself up at home and refused to eat. If | hadn't shown up today, he might have starved himself." Karen sighed heavily. "I know | shouldn't be calling you about this, but can you talk some sense into him? My aunt and uncle are beside themselves with worry, and [—" Karen was clearly at her wit's end.
Dorothy frowned slightly and took a deep breath, "Pass him the phone." Before she could say more, she heard Kenneth's voice through the speaker.
"Didn't I say not to call her. She's got enough on her plate, and if she's bothered by my problems, she'll hate me. Mom, Dad, can you please not meddle in my affairs?" "Bro, Dorothy wants to talk to you." "Hang up. | want you to hang up now. Otherwise, I'll pull out these IVs and go home." Soon after, Karen's voice came through again, "Dorothy, I'm really at my wit's end with him." Dorothy sighed, "Tell him | could never hate him, not to overthink things." "Alright. You take care of yourself. We'll talk when you get back.” "Okay." After ending the call, Dorothy pocketed her phone and turned to walk away, but then she noticed the door to the ward seemed to move slightly.
As she approached, however, there was no one there.
Inside, Everett was already seated at his desk, head lowered, scrutinizing a contract.
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
