This reaction had become so habitual that Chris remained oblivious to any displeasure.
âDid you manage to bring Ryland back?â
âItâll take a bit more time, but Iâm on it,â Wade responded, his tone soothing yet firm.
Chris sighed, aware of the complexities. He knew he had burdened Wade significantly, especially now, leaving him to care for a child while on his deathbed.
âWith Ryland by your side, Iâll rest easy,â Chris murmured, his voice tinged with guilt.
âDonât say such things, Chris. Iâm here, and nothing is going to happen to you,â Wade assured him, his voice resolute.
Chris grinned.
âTo anyone else, I might as well be a ghost. Given how I am now, I pretty much am one.â
âChris!â Wade clutched his shoulder, his voice filled with guilt.
âThis is all my fault. I swear, nothing more is going to happen to you. Nothing!â
âYeah.â Chrisâs smile shone even brighter.
âDonât worry, Wade. I need to stay strong until Ryland gets back.â
Wade stared at Chris, stunned by his resilience, as if Chris had somehow made peace with the precarious threads of life and death.
âMr. Potter.â
A knock interrupted their moment.
Wadeâs eyes, red and swollen, shot towards the door.
âLeave us alone!â
The assistant stood at the threshold, his face pale with anxiety, struggling to deliver his message.
âMr. Potter, we have a problem in the basement.â
The basement hid a huge secret, one that even Chris wasnât aware of.
Trying to suppress his anger, Wade took a deep breath and gently squeezed Chrisâs shoulder.
âYou rest now.â
âWade!â Chris clasped his wrist suddenly, the watch on his wrist icy against his skin.
Wade paused, expecting more words, but Chris only called out and then fell silent.
âDonât worry about it,â Wade assured him, patting his hand softly.
Chris looked at Wade, tears streaming down his face.
âWade, you should stop whatever youâre doing.â
As the sun dipped below the horizon, shadows danced across the room, playing with the fading light.
Wade hesitated before saying, âJust relax. Iâll take care of it.â
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