Chapter 119

119. 119
“ I’m sorry , I didn’t mean to overstep , ” Jennifer said . “ I just think you must’ve had a hard time . ”
Teresa sighed . “ It’s okay . ”
It was her birthday a few days ago , and Evelyn hadn’t even bothered to wish her a happy birthday . Teresa thought , ‘ She must have forgotten . After all , it’s been years since she last remembered . ”
Jennifer continued , “ I’m just like you . I don’t have any family either . I work hard on my own , live on my own … Everything I do … I did it alone .”
A hint of sympathy surfaced in Teresa’s eyes . “ You must’ve had it tough too , Dr. Nelson . ” Jennifer glanced at Teresa . “ Actually , I do have a younger sister , but … ” She trailed off , pausing for a bit . “ It was her birthday a few days ago on January 16th , and I didn’t even wish her happy birthday . ”
Teresa was puzzled . “ Why ? ”
Jennifer replied , “ I don’t have her contact information . It’s been years since I last saw her . ”
“ What a coincidence . My birthday’s on January 16th too . How old is your sister ? ” asked Teresa .
“ She’s your age ,” Jennifer remarked .
As the car pulled up to Golden Residence , Jennifer added Teresa on WhatsApp , thanking her as she exited the car . Teresa grabbed the cake from the passenger seat and said , “ You forgot your cake . ”
Jennifer smiled . “ You can have it . I don’t feel like eating cake anymore . ”
“ No , I can’t … ” Teresa shook her head .
Jennifer replied , “ Take it home for your child . Seeing you reminded me of my sister , whom I haven’t seen in years . I often think about her ; she used to be a quirky little crybaby , but she’s probably changed now that she’s all grown up . She must’ve had it tough all these years … I wish I could do more for her , but … ”
Pausing mid – sentence , she sniffled . “ Look at me , rambling on and on . Why am I telling you this ? Anyway , drive safe . ”
“ I use this brand all the time . You should try it . ” Teresa tossed two boxes of face masks out the car window before driving off .
Unfortunately , Teresa still fell sic successfully unlocked ! Ot home , she came down with a fever , her body weak and her throat vienu puny . She was in no condition to go to work in such a state .
Michael wanted to call Jonathan and ask him to make some tasty gruel , but Miriam
beat him to it and secretly called Jonathan first .
She said , “ Teresa’s running a high fever . My fridge is empty , so can you grab some food and come over ? ”
Jonathan sounded anxious . “ Why are you only calling me now ? ”
Miriam replied , “ Teresa wouldn’t let me tell you , so I had to wait for her to fall asleep before calling you . ”
Jonathan pursed his lips . “ Got it . Thank you .” He was in the middle of a meeting and didn’t hesitate to put everything on hold .
When Jonathan arrived at Begonia Estates , he knocked on the door , and Miriam opened it carefully . “ Took you long enough . ”
As soon as Jonathan entered , Michael hugged his leg . “ Mr. Daddy Lime , I’ve missed you so much ! ”
Jonathan , delighted to see Michael , patted his head and pinched his chin . “ You’ve grown taller again . ”
Miriam cleared her throat . “ Kids grow fast at this age . Mike , I’ll take you out to play . Let Mr. Lime take care of Ms. Johnston , ”
Michael nodded and waved Jonathan goodbye reluctantly .
Meanwhile , Teresa lay under the covers , her pale , sickly face the only part of her visible . A damp towel rested on her forehead .
Jonathan removed the towel and was about to feel her forehead when she said , Miriam … I’m thirsty . Get me some water . ”
Jonathan tucked his hand into his pocket and left without a word .
When he returned , he placed a glass of water by her bedside . She had drifted back to sleep , as if her earlier words had been nothing more than sleep talk .
Jonathan sat on the edge of the bed , watching her for a moment before gently tucking her hand back under the covers .
Moments later , Jonathan brought the ingredients to the kitchen and began making soup . With practiced ease , he peeled the oranges , adding a pinch of salt before . simmering them into the pot .
Back in the bedroom , Teresa’s eyes fluttered open .
The room was dark and quiet , the curtains drawn tight , making her feel utterly alone .
“ Miriam ? ” she called out weakly , but no one responded .
She tried to sit up but couldn’t summon any strength . Helpless , she called out again , Miriam ? Are you there ? ”
The door opened with a slow creak , and Teresa squinted , trying to get a better look . All she could see was a silhouette in the doorway , and she assumed it was Miriam .
Miriam , leave the lights on for me . I’m scared . ”
The bedroom light came on with a click .
In the bright light , Teresa saw it was Jonathan . She moved her parched lips and spoke stiffly . “ What are you doing here ? ”
Jonathan didn’t answer her question . Instead , he poured her another glass of water and placed it next to her . “ Would you like some more water ? I’ll help you up . ”
“ No , thank you . You can leave . Where’s Miriam ? Ask her to come back . ” Teresa said , thinking , ‘ Did she betray me again ? ‘
“ I’ll call her now . ” Jonathan turned and exited the room , switching on all the lights in Miriam’s house .
Miriam returned with Michael sound asleep on her back .
Jonathan’s gaze fell on Michael , and he caressed the boy’s head while saying , “ I made some hot soup for her ; it’s in the pot . When she wakes up , serve her some .
“ All right . You’re a real lifesaver . Honestly , I wouldn’t know who else to contact besides you . I can’t even cook ,” said Miriam .
Jonathan raised an eyebrow . “ Why isn’t she living at Rosary Estates anymore ? ”
“ Of course it’s because … ” Miriam hesitated , faltering for a moment before correcting herself , “ Because you’ve been visiting her so often , especially late at night . She’s annoyed . ”
Jonathan replied , “ Have her move back there . I won’t visit her anymore .”
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