Chapter 208 Communication
Ethan was tucked away in a quiet corner of the hospital, guilt eating at him every time he thought about the pain he'd caused Ashley.
He usually didn't smoke, but in his agitation, he bought a pack. After a few puffs, he coughed so hard tears welled up.
Running his hands through his hair, he let out a bitter laugh.
He always thought he was capable, but this time, Ashley had to bail him out.
"Ethan, you're so useless. You let Ashley suffer so much," he muttered, his voice heavy with pain.
Feeling lost, he decided to call Thomas.
Thomas was chatting with Doris when he got Ethan's call. He stepped aside and answered, "Ethan, what's up?"
"Thomas, I need to ask you something serious."
"Go ahead."
Trying to keep his emotions in check, Ethan asked, "If someone important to you made a huge sacrifice to help you, a sacrifice that might make them suffer for life, how do you keep that relationship strong?"
Ethan had thought about treating Ashley better, but the guilt was overwhelming. He worried that his efforts might just add more pressure on her.
He trusted Thomas, who had guided him through life, so he sought his advice.
"Depends on who it is," Thomas said.
"If it's a friend, you should definitely repay the favor. Help them whenever they need it, as long as you can."
Thomas continued, "How are things in Ferndale? Didn't you sort out the issue with Kelsey?"
"Why do you ask?"
After a pause, Ethan said, "It's a long story. Ashley stepped in to resolve the issue with Kelsey's order."
Thomas was taken aback. "Wow, Ashley really came through for the Yates family. This is huge, Ethan. Should we throw a party to celebrate her?"
Ethan replied, "Not yet. Let's not stress Grandpa. Because of what Ashley did, her hand... she can't hold things anymore."
"What?" Thomas was shocked. "No wonder you asked that question earlier."
"Don't beat yourself up. Guilt won't fix anything," Thomas said, trying to comfort him. "We need to do everything we can to make it up to Ashley."
"Yeah, of course," Ethan agreed, looking troubled. "But I'm worried she'll think my kindness is just out of gratitude, not real affection."
"I'm really stressed and agitated right now," he added, raking his fingers through his hair.
After a pause, Thomas asked, "Does Ashley know you’re aware of her condition?"
"Not yet," Ethan replied.
"That makes it easier," Thomas suggested. "Act like you don't know about her illness, but treat her even better and show her more love. That way, she won't feel burdened or overthink it."
Ethan's eyes lit up. "Why didn't I think of that!"
Feeling relieved, Ethan said, "Thanks, Thomas. And don't tell Grandpa about Ashley's condition for now."
"Got it, Ethan."
"By the way, how's Grandpa doing?"
Thomas hesitated, his voice softening. "Not..."
James had told him not to mention Michael's illness and hospitalization, so he kept quiet. Ethan, preoccupied with his plans for Ashley, didn't notice Thomas's hesitation.
"Alright, I'll hang up now. Thanks, Thomas."
"Wait, Ethan," Thomas added before hanging up. "Ivy just came to the Yates family home. She's talking to James about getting back together."
"They're getting back together?" Ethan's emotions stirred.
As a kid, he had always hoped his parents would reconcile so he could have a happy family like other kids. It had seemed like an impossible dream back then.
Now, it was actually happening. Even though he was no longer a child, he felt a surge of excitement and anticipation.
"Okay, keep me updated," he said.
After hanging up, Thomas sighed deeply, staring at his phone. He wasn't sure how to break the news to Ethan about Doris's returning, which would surely stir things up in the Yates family.
Back in Ferndale, Ethan composed himself, bought some of Ashley's favorite snacks, and returned to the hospital. Ashley had also composed herself and was bending down to pick up some scattered items.
Seeing her struggle, Ethan rushed over. "Ashley, let me do it."
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