Chapter 1881
McNeil felt as if he were on the cusp of a revelation. Suddenly he grabbed his son’s arm, “Quick! Which floor were we on just now? Let’s head back up!”
Byran looked at his father, puzzled. “Dad, what’s going on? Did you recognize that little girl? What’s happening?”
McNeil didn’t have time to explain. “For now, just get us back up there! We need to find the room that little girl is in!”
Seeing his father in such a hurry, Byran didn’t ask any further. He stepped back into the elevator and pressed the button for their previous floor.
Once back on the original floor, McNeil quickly stepped out of the elevator. “Byran, which way did you see that little girl go?”
Byran pointed, “Over there!”
Having gotten his answer, McNeil immediately headed in that direction, checking each room in search.
At that very moment, Marlinie was sitting in bed and enjoying a sandwich that her best friend, Bertha had brought her.
For some unknown reason, she had abruptly woken in the middle of the night with her heart racing. An intense feeling of unease lingered, and she couldn’t shake off the worry for her newly-reunited daughter.
But it was the middle of the night, and she didn’t dare reach out to her daughter. She couldn’t sleep, and she was tormented by the thought that something might have happened to her.
To distract her, Bertha had ordered the sandwich for her just now. Bertha had been wonderful. There hadn’t been any awkwardness between them due to Thaddeus’ arrest. They had cleared the air, and their relationship was as strong as ever.
“Marlinie, stop daydreaming and eat while it’s still warm! Don’t worry, Ellinor’s a tough cookie. She’ll be fine! You can’t let a nightmare get to you like this. Besides, Ellinor’s not alone. Mr. Blanchet’s with her. Everything’s okay!” Bertha’s concerned voice broke through Marlinie’s thoughts. She forced a smile and nodded.
Bertha was right. She was letting her imagination run wild. It was just a nightmare; it didn’t mean that something had happened to Pearl!
She should be hoping for the best for her daughter, not imagining the worst. She needed to finish her snack, get some sleep, and call Pearl in the morning!
Marlinie forced herself to calm down. But after a few bites of her sandwich, she felt a sudden tightness in her chest. A wave of discomfort washed over her, making it difficult to swallow.
Bertha noticed her discomfort, “What’s wrong? Marlinie, are you feeling alright? Should I call a doctor?”
Marlinie set aside her sandwich and took a deep breath, clutching her chest. “I’m fine, Bertha. It’s late, no need to bother the doctors. I’m just feeling a bit anxious, probably due to the nightmare. I’ll be fine.”
Bertha was far from reassured. “Marlinie, you look pale. If you’re not feeling well, don’t force yourself. This is a hospital and there are doctors on call. It’s their job to help, even at this time of night. I’m going to get a doctor to check on you right away!”
With that, Bertha headed out to find a doctor, instructing her daughter, who was still up, on her way out, “Lea, keep an eye on Ms. Marlinie. Mom’s going to get a doctor,”
