Love's Redemption

Redmption 189

I never complained about bitter medicine again after my parents passed on. No one offered candy to go with the medicine. I never had any again either.

“It’s sweet,” Brandon said as he raised the candy and brushed it against my lips. It seemed like an enticing

gesture.

I ended up opening my mouth. Once he popped the candy in, tears welled in my eyes and streamed down.

“Why are you crying?” He caressed my face and wiped my tears.

His words made me feel worse. My tears became more uncontrollable.

Brandon couldn’t keep up with wiping my tears. He took the cup from me and squeezed my hand. “Let’s not take the medicine if it’s too bitter.”

After he left, I buried my face in my hands. I felt much better after crying.

The thermometer under my armpit beeped to show its final reading, so I took it out. It read 38.2 degrees Celsius.

I had a fever as expected.

Brandon then returned with a towel that was seemingly wrapped around something.

“We’ll use ice to bring down the fever. Have some water. We won’t need the medicine if your temperature drops.

“Close your eyes and get some sleep,” Brandon said softly.

He lifted my legs and laid me down on the couch. He then placed the ice–wrapped towel on my forehead.

I obediently closed my eyes, but soon I heard the click of a lighter. The smell of burning alcohol soon. filled the air.

There was a sharp pang of heat in my palm as Brandon rubbed his hand against mine. I instinctively flinched, but he whispered, “Trusing alcohol to cool you down.”

I knew this remedy because my dad used it on me when I was a child.

It was a little scary, having to put the hands in burning alcohol and rub them warm.

I stayed still. He rubbed my left hand and then my right. I thought he was done, but he reached out and grabbed my foot.

I pulled my foot back and rejected, “No need.”

“Weren’t you so bold that you tried to strip me? You won’t even let me touch your foot?”

I froze at Brandon’s words. I wanted to play dead and pretend that I passed out, but I knew that he

understood. Since he could state the details, he must know I remembered everything.

Silence was the best strategy at moments like this, so I closed my eyes and ignored him.

His hand rubbed my foot. The tickling warm sensation hit me right in the heart.

Today, Brandon made me relive the time when my parents were still around. I felt warm yet also sad. The tears couldn’t help but fall again.

“Take a nap. I made some potato soup. Have some when you wake up, Brandon said as he got up to leave.

Chap 189

2/2

“Brandon. Did you know,me?” I called out, watching him from behind.

He brought back so many childhood memories today. He seemed like he was family. It was like my parents‘ shadow was taking care of me. Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

He paused. He seemed to mutter something, but I couldn’t hear him clearly.

I fell asleep and dreamed of my parents. They took my hands, coaxed me into taking my medicine, and fed me candy. My dad was rubbing my hands and feet.

“Dad, Mom…” I murmured and reached out to hold him.

“Mae, time for dinner.” I heard Brandon’s voice instead.

I refused to wake up. All I wanted was to hold onto my parents‘ hands tighter. “Dad, Mom, don’t go. Don’t leave me.”

“I won’t, I’ll always be here with you.” It was Brandon’s voice again.

I found him really annoying at this moment. Why was he interrupting when I just wanted to talk to my parents?

“Brandon, go away,” I snapped and woke up.

I

I was gripping Brandon’s hands tightly. He was looking at me. The moment our gazes met, I saw pain in his eyes.