The Apple of My Eye novel Chapter 2109

Sheryl came back to a video call from Joan.

"I'm so sorry, Ms. Xia. Something has happened," Joan said hastily, her voice cracking as she began to sob.

It took Sheryl a moment to respond. "What happened?"

'The last time Joan requested some leave, she didn't explain the reason either. Could something serious have happened?' Sheryl thought worriedly.

"My grandson…" Joan started. "He's gone..." A choked cry came from her throat.

"What? How could that be?" Sheryl asked, her eyes widening at what she'd just heard.

"My daughter-in-law had a fever. I had offered to go back home and take care of my grandson, but she refused. Soon after, he had also contracted a fever. At first, it was just like any other illness. My daughter-in-law thought that it was nothing that needed a visit to the hospital. But that night, he started burning up. His body temperature went up to 40 degrees Celsius. I had been careless. During the second day, the child was delirious with fever. He could barely form sentences. We rushed him to the hospital, but the doctor said that there was permanent brain damage..." Joan's breathing came as harsh inhales and exhales of air. Tears flowed down her face as her hands clutched her chest.

Sheryl listened grimly as the other woman told her story. "But even if his brain had been damaged, it shouldn't have killed him, right? What did the doctor say?" she asked.

Joan broke into another fit of weeping. "The doctor said that there was no longer any hope for recovery. His body might recuperate, but his mind would always be that of a child's for the rest of his life. My daughter-in-law went hysterical upon hearing that, and she…" Joan paused as if unable to continue. "She carried her son..." As if the admission had taken too big of a toll on her, Joan burst into a loud and heavy wailing.

Sheryl's heart was slamming inside her chest. Her skin felt clammy as a sudden thought chilled her. 'Did she commit suicide together with her son?'

"Joan, take deep breaths. There is no need to rush. What happened next?"

"She carried the child and jumped from the third floor. She... She was able to survive, but the child is dead..."

Sheryl was dumbfounded at the turn of events.

'Why did things turn out this way?' she lamented inwardly.

Joan had all but crumbled to a weeping figure. Sheryl saw the woman's legs staggering as she kept herself upright. She was at a loss on how to give Joan respite from her ordeal. She remained silent and waited until her cries quieted down into hushed sobs.

Finally, Joan steeled herself in front of her superior. She would embarrass herself no longer in front of Sheryl. "Ms. Xia," she said apologetically. "I'm very sorry. I can't work for you anymore. I have to go back. I..."

"I completely understand, Joan," Sheryl said before Joan tried to explain herself any further. "Don't worry. Remember to take care of yourself. You can take as long as you need. We can talk again when you feel better. I'll transfer some money to your account, as a token of my appreciation, and my sincerest condolences."

Joan's voice threatened to once again break. "Thank you, Ms. Xia. You are truly a kind person. I don't know what else to say but thank you. Thank you so much..."

The video call ended with Sheryl reminding Joan to take care. She put the phone down and quickly transferred some money to Joan's account. It wasn't a large sum, but it was better for Joan to have it in such a situation.

Joan's story hovered in her mind, and Sheryl was lost in thought until her phone rang again, pulling her back to reality.

"Yes?" she answered.

"Sher, are you at the hospital? How is Shirley now?" Damian asked over the phone.

Sheryl was in dampened spirits after having heard from Joan earlier. In a low voice, she answered, "Shirley is awake. She's alright."

"Really? Is it alright if I come to the hospital to pay her a visit?" Damian could tell from her voice that something must have happened.

Was it Charles? The idea of Sheryl spending a whole day alone with that man burned his gut with jealousy.

"You don't have to," Shirley refused politely. "I'm sure you're busy with work. Shirley's grandma is taking care of her."

He had foreseen Sheryl declining his offer, and so he felt no disappointment at her response. Instead, he just concentrated on her again. "What about you? Have you eaten? You didn't really sleep last night. Are you feeling alright?" he asked concernedly.

"I'm fine," Sheryl answered simply. "Damian, I'll be going to the hospital soon. Let's talk some other time."