When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 121

The first thing Nelly saw was a thick, crusted scab, dark and raw. It was just a surface wound, but deep, the skin clinging to the flesh. Just looking at it made her scalp prickle.

“How did this happen...” The words died on her lips. She stared at Brody in disbelief.

“It was from that day...”

That day at the kindergarten gate, when he’d shielded her with his arm. Could he have been hurt then? He hadn’t shown any pain at the time though, hadn’t even flinched.

Brody gave her a quiet grunt, then slouched over. “You have some ointment, right? Help me change the dressing.”

“Why should I listen to you?” Nelly shot back, but Brody didn’t even open his eyes, just leaned back like he expected her to obey.

With no other choice, Nelly fetched the first-aid kit. Brody had taken a hit for her, even if he did it for Carrie.

Brody was heavy and uncooperative, making her feel like a nurse waiting on a stubborn old man. It took ages just to get one side of his shirt off.

His arm was all muscle, and the bloody patch on his forearm made his skin look even paler than usual. Nelly realized she’d never treated a wound like this before. She hesitated, cotton swab in hand, before finally touching it to his skin.

Brody just frowned a little, saying nothing.

“Does it hurt?” Nelly blurted, not daring to look at the wound directly.

“What do you think?” Brody’s voice was almost bored.

“Why didn’t you go to the hospital? Didn’t Jessie take care of this?” Nelly was frustrated.The injury was because of her, but he didn’t have to have her treat it personally.

“No time.” Brody’s answer was short. Jessie had told him to change his bandages every day, but as soon as he got back to work, he forgot all about it.

Nelly cleaned the wound as best as she could, wiping away the blood before applying the ointment. Brody’s breaths came heavier, and Nelly’s whole body tensed with the effort. By the time she finished, she was sweating.

“All done...” she said softly, tugging his shirt forward to cover him up.

Brody was still turned to the side, his torso half exposed. The muscles across his chest and arm stood out, impossible to ignore.

“It’s getting late. We should go.” Nelly glanced at her phone. They were already more than an hour behind.

Brody started to pull his sleeve on and stood up, but his body wavered and he stumbled.

Nelly was right there, and she caught him by instinct. He was so heavy, they both tumbled onto the sofa, tangled together.

Brody’s face was close to hers, his lips brushing her cheek, his breath hot against her skin. It made her heart race and her cheeks burn.

“Bro...” Nelly’s voice shook, pinned beneath him, but then she realized something was wrong.

Brody’s hand pressed against his chest. His face had gone pale, almost bluish, and his breathing was ragged.

“What’s going on with you?”

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