In My Desperate Time

After picking up the child, I go back home with Frances.

By the time we get home, it's almost ten.

Old Mr. Louis is usually asleep at this time.

So I don't expect to see him still awake and chat with Hilda on the sofa when I arrive at the door.

Thinking of my promise to old Mr. Louis, I stand at the door and don't know if I should go in or not.

Old Mr. Louis doesn't see me. But hearing the sound, he certainly knows that we are back.

He sits up straight and says in a deep voice, "You have to do what you promised me. I'm still here, so you should know what to do."

Of course, these words are for me.

I have nothing to retort, and I don't intend to.

"Grandpa." Frances' face darkened. He wants to say something, but I stop him.

I hand Earl in my arms to Frances and whisper to him, "Go in. I'll be there soon. I'm good."

still at the door, resolutely disagreeing with

I even feel my face hurt. Earl is still so young.

and say to Frances in a low voice, "Go in with Earl. I don't

trees, then looks at Earl in his arms, and finally walks in

passes by Old Mr. Louis, he

already late. You should go to

what I should

Old Mr. Louis is still sitting there, chatting with

But it's already midnight.

sleep," Hilda looks at me

looks at me,

obvious that she wants me to

his head and says, "I'm in the mood to chat.

to chat. I can't stand the cold wind anymore but can only watch the series on my phone

body is getting stiffer and

stands up and says to Hilda,

slowly

life. I run in