Regret Came Too Late

Grace was already on her way to the hospital when she noticed a car following her through the rearview mirror.

The familiar license plate belonged to none other than Yancey.

Why wouldn't he just leave her alone?

She took a deep breath and pushed the car's speed to the max.

Yancey was unwilling to push her too hard, so he slowed down and kept his distance behind her.

When Grace finally reached her destination, she saw how run-down the place was. It would be hard to tell it apart at night from a haunted house.

She exited the car and immediately spotted an elderly man sweeping the courtyard. Despite the hospital's dilapidated state, it was spotless.

It seemed someone made sure to clean the dust that fell from the walls every single day.

She hurried over, closing the distance to the elderly man, and couldn't help but ask, "Sir, the ground's already so clean. Why don't you take a break?"

The elderly man with white hair, whose name was Paul Brown, looked up at her, his expression changing to one of recognition.

"Grace, is that you?" he asked.

did he

"Yes, that's me."

untied the apron from around his waist. "You haven't been here in a year. How have you

held back her surprise and smiled faintly. "Pretty

kind of charm. The hospital's interior was filled with flowers, and in the middle of it all was a small patch of open grass with

and sat on

said, "Sit here. I'll make some tea.

quickly stood.

"No need, just sit."

reluctantly sat back

a shadowy figure from the corner of her eye. It was Yancey sneaking

he

have some sense, walking over

him to leave. With someone like Yancey, the more

tea without batting an eye at Yancey's

once, said, "Sorry to interrupt. Please, continue your