You Are Worth It

N I N E

In shadows deep,
Trust weaves its thread,
Accusations heavy,
Like words unsaid.
A family torn
By doubts profound,
Echoes linger,
A silent battleground.

•••

Days blurred into uncertainty. Today marked Alan's discharge from the hospital, a moment that carried a mix of relief and lingering questions. Throughout this period, Evanna had chosen to keep her doubts about her mother to herself. The weight of suspicion cast upon Mary Lawson lingered, a shadow in the corner of Evanna's consciousness.

“Eva?”
As they reached Lawson mansion, Alan, who had a little bandage on his forehead cut, shook Evanna and brought her out of her thoughts.
“We have reached.”

"Huh? Oh yeah."
Evanna replied absentmindedly as they exited the car, marching towards the imposing mansion.

Inside, Mary Lawson enveloped Alan in a warm hug.
"You have no idea how relieved I am to see you all recovered."
She expressed, genuine concern in her voice. Alan, with a soft smile, reciprocated the hug, while Linda rolled her eyes in the background.

Turning her attention to Evanna, Mary continued,
"Did you talk with the doctor? Are you sure he isn't required to stay in the hospital for a few more days?"

"Aunt Mary! Relax!"
Alan interjected, catching Mary's gaze.
"I am fine now. No need to worry. Now tell me, how are you doing? Are you taking your medicines timely?"

As Mary and Alan exchanged pleasantries, Evanna's mind swirled with conflicting thoughts. Doubts about her suspicions resurfaced.

'Was she wrong to suspect her mother?'

Linda seemed a more plausible suspect given her evident dislike for Alan. Perhaps, she was mistaken. There’s no way her mother would harm Alan. She loved him as if he was her own son.

Hearing her name being called, Evanna looked at her mother.
“Why don’t you take Alan to his room? And meanwhile, I’ll prepare dinner.”
Evanna nodded before helping Alan to settle in his room.

•••

Parking his car outside the Starbucks, Max Hutter stepped out, only to be ambushed by Olivia.
"Hi!"

"You?! What are you doing here?"
Max, startled in the morning, questioned.

"You are late by—"
Olivia glanced at her watch and replied,
"—eight minutes!"

"Huh?"
It took a moment for Max to process her words. Narrowing his eyes, he asked,
"Are you stalking me, Ms. Wilder?"

"What? Of course not!"
Olivia dramatically spoke before flashing Max the most innocent smile.
"I am just checking up on you, like a... concerned citizen!"

"That's the same thing."
Max deadpanned.
"Being a lawyer, I'm sure you know I can report you for stalking me—"

"Or you can include me in the investigation so that I don't have to check up on you every now and then."
Olivia interrupted cheekily.

"Ms. Wilder, I have told you before—"

"Look, Mr. Detective,"
Olivia cut him off, her tone shifting to sincerity.
"I know why you don't want to include me in the investigation, but you can't deny that earlier I was helpful, wasn't I?"
She reminded him of the time she assisted Max in locating the actual car involved in Alan's accident. At this, Max kept quiet.