Chapter 41

Stella had been in the hospital for three days. During that time, Eric had taken meticulous care of her. He teased her often, played the rogue on more than one occasion, but there were also moments filled with warmth—him reading the newspaper while she listened to music, occasionally exchanging a few words. As she packed up her things, Stella received a call from Carlson. “Hello, Father?” she answered, her voice flat. “What is it?” “Are you discharged yet?” Carlson’s voice came through, distant and impassive. “Yeah, just today. Why?” Stella had long given up on expecting any genuine concern from him. “Then come to the café. I’ll be waiting for you there.” Carlson hung up right after she agreed, offering not a word of warmth. Stella felt a pang in her chest. Her nose tingled as if tears were about to well up again. “What’s wrong? Why is your nose red?” Eric returned after handling her discharge paperwork. Seeing her frozen with the phone in her hand, he quickly stepped f