When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 81

Brody felt a wave of crushing disappointment when Nelly admitted it. He kept his face blank, though, and the feeling passed almost instantly.

“Alright. If I have time, Alan will let you know.”

He didn’t stay a second longer. The door shut with a cold, final click. The silence that followed was absolute.

Nelly’s legs gave out. She slid down the wall and ended up sitting on the floor, completely drained.

Later that night, Jonah was jolted awake by a call.

“Hello?” He grabbed his phone, still half-asleep, but all he heard on the other end was someone breathing softly.

Jonah snapped awake. “Nelly?”

He saw her name on the screen and shot upright.

“Jonah…” Her voice was so tiny, barely a whisper. It sounded like she was struggling. “I think I have a fever…”

“Don’t hang up. I’m coming over.”

He didn’t wait for her to say more. Jacket on, keys in hand, he rushed out the door.

Nelly never bothered people unless she really had to, and calling this late meant something was really wrong. Jonah knew her well enough to worry. While driving, he called a doctor to come to her place, just in case. If she’d wanted to go to the hospital, she wouldn’t have called him.

He sped through the night, barely stopping for anything. When he got to her apartment, he let himself in without knocking.

Her purse and a bunch of stuff were scattered by the door. The bedroom was empty.

His heart pounded as he heard the faint sound of water running from the bathroom. He hurried over, not thinking about anything else.

Nelly was in the bathtub, wearing only a thin shirt.

The faucet was still running, and water had spilled over the sides, soaking the floor. Her hair was drenched, her face so pale it was almost translucent. She was curled up, her arms wrapped around herself, looking fragile and breakable, like a porcelain doll left out in the rain.

Jonah’s heart skipped a beat. “Nelly!”

He rushed to her, scooped her up, and carried her straight to the bedroom.

She didn’t seem hurt, but her skin was burning hot.

He wrapped her up tight in a blanket, cranked the heat, dried her off as best he could, and found a thermometer. After a little while, Nelly opened her eyes. She recognized him right away and mumbled, “Jonah…”

“Are you still in pain?” He leaned in close, concern written all over his face.

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