Chapter 348


    “I have two sons. Whichever one of them leads a happy life, I’ll be happy too. So Lulu, don’t ever feel


    that you must do something. As for Felix, your Uncle Austin and I will handle him.”


    Aunt Mel’s words warmed me and moved me to tears. Spring had arrived after this harsh winter. Mom


    looked at Aunt Mel in disbelief and quickly grabbed her hands.


    For the first time in a few months, the two who had grown up together hugged each other again.


    Thanks to Aunt Mel’s encouragement, Colin and I saw hope in the predicament once more.


    “Thank you so much, Melinda.” Mom and Melinda cried together.


    It seemed like tears were the only thing capable of conveying our emotions here.


    Colin kissed the back of my hand and said gratefully, “Thank you, Mom. And sorry.”


    Just then, the loud noise startled everyone.


    Uncle Austin was pushing the chairbound Felix, and they were by the entrance.


    The source of the noise was a big, red apple. It rolled on the floor.


    Felix seemed to have used up every ounce of his strength to throw that apple. He reclined on the


    wheelchair weakly. His eyes were abyssal. And his face, sharper due to weight loss, showed rage,


    despair, regret, and pain.


    “Felix…”


    “Felix…”


    No one could finish their sentence because we did not know what to say. Seven of us were in the


    emergency room, yet not a sound was made.


    Uncle Austin’s scream was the first to break the silence. Felix had fainted.


    After an emergency treatment, he quickly regained consciousness. However, he refused to


    communicate or throw a tantrum. He became mute.


    Once again, the reticent Felix who blocked everyone out returned.


    A therapist said that his condition was looking dire because his depression had returned and he also


    recently became handicapped. He’d need familial support to make him speak up again. We would need


    to encourage him to think about his favorite fond memories.


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    “At the moment, what is the worst–case scenario?” Colin asked the therapist, concerned.


    The therapist adjusted his sses and said inly, “It’s hard to give you a definitive answer. Some


    make a full recovery after a few months because they’re willing to work with me. Some decide to dwell


    on it, and no medicine can help that.


    “In extreme cases, patients might engage in self–harm.”


    “Self–harm?” Aunt Mel repeated incredulously.


    “Yes, I know of a pregnant woman. Her postpartum depression didn’t improve, so she ended her life by


    jumping from the ninth floor. But of course, this is a special case. Most patients will eventually make a


    full recovery.”


    Death.


    This word continued to hang heavy on everyone’s mind. It shackled everyone.


    The hope we had vanished in an instant.


    Under the effect of a sedative, Felix fell asleep. Uncle Austin kept himpany while we sat quietly in


    the smoking room.


    There were six chairs in the room. My parents sat in the left corner while Iy in Colin’s arms. Aunt Mel


    sat in the right corner.


    All five of us looked at the empty seat. Only quietness remained.


    “Harper, I meant what I said. I’m not being heartless here. I already lost Felix. I can’t lose Colin too.”


    Aunt Mel rubbed her eyes that had run out of tears and smiled bitterly. “Lulu, just stay with Colin. No


    matter what happens to Felix, it’s none of your business. Your Uncle Austin and I will handle


    everything.”