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."

stands still at the

even feel my face hurt. Earl is still so young. How can he endure such a

low voice, "Go in with Earl. I don't want

looks around at the swaying trees, then looks at Earl in his arms,

he passes by Old

You

what I should

finishes speaking, he goes upstairs. Old Mr. Louis is still sitting there,

for a while. But it's already midnight. After

Hilda looks at me and says to Old Mr.

can tell that when she looks at

obvious that she wants me to stand

Louis shakes his head and says,

Mr. Louis and Hilda continue to chat. I can't stand the cold wind anymore but can only watch the series on my phone to kill this long and

my body is getting stiffer and

fall asleep, old Mr. Louis finally stands up and

he slowly goes

my life. I run in