Three Years Forgotten, Why Go Crazy When I Say Goodbye? novel Chapter 454

Hearing Ethan's straightforward and genuine response, Willow and Leo were completely stunned.

They had trekked through mountains and rivers, enduring a grueling journey, all for the sake of getting him to open up.

But now that their wish had actually come true, looking at the frail, skinny teenager in front of them, neither of them felt an ounce of the excitement they had anticipated. Instead, their hearts were overflowing with a dense, agonizing wave of sorrow and pity.

Ethan was only a teenager, yet he had already tasted the bitterest of fates. He was stronger and more mature than kids his age, never crying or complaining, silently shouldering all the agony. But this maturity far beyond his years wasn't some natural gift—it had been brutally carved into him by countless bouts of excruciating pain.

All the questions and research points they had prepared were suddenly lodged in their throats, impossible to voice.

Willow decided to toss all of that aside for now and focus entirely on him as a person. Looking at the young boy, she said softly, "Let's not talk about the medical stuff today. We're not going to ask you any questions. We're just going to hang out with you."

At those words, the usually calm and composed Ethan snapped his head up, his dark eyes wide with utter disbelief. "Hang out with me?"

"Yeah, hang out with you."

Getting her confirmation again, a faint, pure smile finally blossomed on the boy's gaunt face, instantly lighting up the long-standing gloom in his eyes. He was a little excited, but also very nervous. "But I don't know what we're supposed to do. I've never had any friends growing up, so I don't know what friends do together."

"That's okay," Willow comforted him. "We can do whatever you want."

Willow reached out and gently ruffled the loose hair on his forehead. "By the way, did you get your bandages changed this morning?"

"Not yet," Ethan shook his head. "Mom was busy this morning, so she hasn't had the chance."

Persuaded by her son, she finally, reluctantly agreed, but demanded to stay right beside them the entire time.

Willow, of course, had no objections. In an instant, she slipped into her professional zone.

First, she thoroughly washed her hands, then dried them layer by layer with sterile medical wipes. Next, she systematically organized the various dressings they would need. Her movements were steady, precise, and incredibly methodical.

Before starting, she was still worried about hurting Ethan, so she reassured him softly, "You might feel a little pulling sensation. If it hurts, just tell me, and we'll slow down."

Ethan obediently nodded, his thin back tensing slightly, but his expression showed absolutely no sign of backing down.