That answer made Linsey scan the area, concern creasing her features. Shouldn t your son be with you right now?

He s tied up with work, Mona replied quietly.

How could he possibly be caught up in work right now? Linsey frowned. She had always known he had a packed schedule. But with his mother lying ill, there was no excuse. He had turned his back on what mattered most.

Her disapproval showed in the frown she wore for a man she had never even met.

Could you give me his number? she asked firmly. I ll call him right away.

As Linsey pulled out her phone, Mona reached for her hand and stopped her gently. No, Ms. Brooks. Don t trouble him. He ll come when he s finished. Her tone softened as she changed the topic. With a fragile smile, she asked, I heard this hospital has a lovely garden. Would you walk there with me for a while?

Linsey couldn t refuse such a simple plea, her heart too soft to deny her. Of course.

After agreeing, she sent Dolores a quick message, then accompanied Mona toward the garden.

The day was bright, and the air carried the sweet trace of flowers blooming nearby.

Linsey guided her to a bench and helped her sit down. With gentle curiosity, Mona asked, Ms. Brooks, what brought you to the hospital today?

I m visiting a friend who s unwell, Linsey explained gently.

Mona nodded with understanding. No wonder I haven t seen you around the nursing home these past days. The two had first met there.

Whenever her schedule allowed, Linsey would volunteer on weekends chatting, listening, and spending time with the elderly. Mona was one of the residents.

According to the staff, Mona s son was too busy with work to look after her properly. Fearing for her safety if she lived alone, he had placed her in the nursing home.

More updates uploaded to g ? ǦҦ ls?com

Unlike many of the others, Mona was reserved and private, not easily letting anyone into her world.

It had taken Linsey quite some time and patience to earn her trust and become the first volunteer she truly opened up to.

Recently, Linsey hadn t been able to visit because she had been traveling abroad. Still, she didn t think that detail was necessary, so she simply said with warmth, I m really sorry, Mrs. Gilbert, for not visiting you at the nursing home lately. But I promise I ll come by to see you the moment I have some free time.

That would be lovely, Mona replied, her fondness for Linsey clear in her tone. Yet her smile faded, shadowed by a troubling thought.

Lowering her gaze, she murmured, I don t even know if I ll live long enough to return to the nursing home.

Of course you will, Linsey reassured her quickly. As long as you follow your doctor s advice, you ll be back on your feet in no time.

But Mona s eyes grew glassy with unshed tears. The doctor said my condition is very serious. This surgery it might not succeed. And if it doesn t

It will succeed, Linsey cut in firmly, her tone filled with conviction, refusing to let despair settle.

.

.

.

The source of th?s content is F nd ovel.net