บท 41: LOOKING AT HIS SLEEPING FORM

LOOKING AT HIS SLEEPING FORM

Lily woke up from her sleep and found out she had spent the entire night on the hospital bench, she stretched her body and yawned slightly as she cracked the stiff muscles in her body.

Lily took a deep breath as she entered Mr. Anthony Haden's room, she slowly pushed open the door and saw Mr. Haden was resting peacefully, he was a tall man, and he looked so fit and tanned with little smile lines creasing his face, he must have spent a lot of time in the outdoors, he has scorpion tattoos on his left hand, She wasn't sure why he was so fascinated with scorpions that he should have so many tattoos of them on his hands, looking at the way he is on the bed, someone will think he is just having a nap. She saw Jack sitting in a chair, sleeping soundly beside his father's bed.

Her heart melted a little as she watched him; he looked vulnerable and calm, something she rarely saw in him. She quietly walked towards him, careful not to wake him up. As she got closer, she saw the faint smile on Jack's lips, and she knew he was dreaming of something good.

Lily's attention was drawn to the other side of the room, where Jack's mother Rosa was sitting, watching her son as well. She gave a small smile and nodded at Lily as if to say, 'Hello.'

"I'm sorry, I didn't want to wake him up," Lily whispered, feeling caught by Rosa's observant eyes.

"It's alright, darling, you were just thinking about how innocent he looks," Rosa said softly. "He carries the weight of everything on his shoulders, you know? But he still manages to smile."

Lily nodded, feeling the same way. She knew first-hand the tension that had engrossed Jack ever since he came to Mexico and wondered how Jack managed it all.

Rosa paused for a moment before continuing. "We're also planning the memorial for Debbie," she said, referring to Jack's sister who had passed away 14 years ago. "It's going to be in two days."

Lily was surprised. Jack had never mentioned anything about his sister or her death. She didn't know what to say and felt a little awkward.

"It's alright dear, I know it's not something he likes to talk about," Rosa spoke soothingly, putting a hand on Lily's shoulder.

Lily smiled weakly, grateful for the support. Just then, Timothy, Mr. Anthony's right-hand man and friend walked in, interrupting their conversation.

"Hey, how's the boss doing?" Timothy asked, addressing Rosa.

"He's stable, thank you for asking," Rosa replied, smiling at the young man. "You know Lily, right?"

Timothy turned to Lily and nodded. "Yes, how are you holding up?" he asked groggily, sizing her from head to toe.

She looked at him closely and saw the same scorpion tattoos that were on Mr Anthony's hands, he was tall with a broad body build, and not a single strand of hair was seen on his shining head. There was something about him that crawled at her, the glint in his eyes were full of malice. She cringed inwardly from his stare.

Lily smiled at him and sighed inwardly. She was very happy when he left with Rosa to check on the arrangements for Debbie's memorial.

As she watched Jack, sleeping peacefully beside his father, she knew that despite everything, he had a support system that loved him and was there for him. She felt sad for him.