“You’re overthinking,” I replied. “The doctor said the dialysis wasn’t thorough enough. There’s some residue, so I had to come back for another test.”

She finally relaxed a little, her tone softening. “Then go get your test done. Call me if something comes up. I can’t leave now. Eric’s injury is pretty bad. He needs someone around.”

Heh. A twisted ankle counts as serious compared to my failing kidney?

Just then, Eric’s voice came from inside the ward—soft, with a touch of forced concern.

“Does dialysis hurt a lot? You can barely stand Andrew.”

He smiled faintly, pretending to care. “But you’re still young. With proper treatment, you’ll get better.”

Watching his fake sympathy, I suddenly asked, turning to face him, “I heard from some coworkers that you got married abroad. Who’s your wife?”

Eric froze for a moment, then his face flushed red. His eyes darted toward Charlotte with a hint of shyness.

“She’s an exceptional woman. You know her too,” he said. 

He didn’t say her name, just looked at me, his gaze carrying a trace of provocation.

Charlotte frowned and pulled me aside. “Why are you asking that? Eric needs rest. Don’t bother him.”