"It's like he's still living in the past. He never really moved on."
When Lawler lost his mother, he always thought no one could be hurting as much as he was. But maybe, just maybe, the person who suffered most was his dad-the man his mom trusted more than anyone. Her death must have hit him harder than anyone realized.
"I mean... I'm a doctor, but not a therapist. Even if I go, it might not help much, you know?"
Lawler picked up on Claire's hesitation, rushing to reassure her. "That's okay. I'm just grateful you're willing to try."
Claire nodded. "Let's talk about it after the New Year. I won't have time before then."
"I've got tutoring sessions for the next few days, and then it's time to go home for the holidays."
She paused before adding, "Honestly, I think you should try talking to your dad yourself."
"You two are family. When was the last time you really sat down and talked? It's been years, hasn't it?"
"Talking is important, Lawler. Your mom's been gone a long time. You're the only one he's got left."
"Except you walked away from him."
She was just being blunt, but her words hit Lawler hard.
"You're right. I did give up on him.”
“Claire, you really deserve your talent!” Lawler admitted, a little awkward. There were even times he'd felt jealous of her.
She was just too good at everything. It wasn't just traditional medicine-she could do Western medicine in her sleep.
Other people studied their whole lives and never got close to her skills.
In medicine, people like Claire didn't have to beg for opportunity. Opportunities found them.
The rest, people like him, had to work themselves to the bone for every little thing. "Lawler, maybe try looking at yourself the way you look at everyone else." "You're already really good at what you do. Stop doubting yourself."
With that, Claire slid into her car, waving at him. "I'm heading home. See you."
Claire drove back to Edison's place. Right at the entrance to the community, she spotted Lance waiting outside.
He ran out and planted himself in front of her car. Claire had to slam down hard on the brakes to avoid hitting him.
"Claire!" Lance looked
in-soaked and tense
hadn't caught sight of her
if he
might have missed her completely.
Non-residents weren't allowed in here.
He'd been trying to talk his way past the security guard for ages, but the guard refused to open the gate.
Lance had been about to give up when Claire's car appeared.
"You hardly ever drive. You're not even that good at it. Do us all a favor and stay off the road before you get someone hurt."
Lance was scolding her now, like she was still a kid who never had a shot behind the wheel.
Claire glared at him, annoyed. "Why do you even care?"
"You seriously came all the way here just to tell me not to drive?"
"Did it occur to you how dangerous it was to jump in front of a car like that? If you're trying to kill yourself,
Enet
fine, but don't involve me.
.net>
Claire was angry. He'd actually run out in front of her car. Good thing her reflexes
were fast enough to stop in time.
If she hadn't, she might really have hit him.
Lance finally realized how reckless he'd been. "I just panicked, that's all.”
Claire let out a laugh, but it wasn't a nice one. “Panicked? Please. You must really want to get run over."
"Move. I'm exhausted and going home. I've got tutoring tomorrow and I need some sleep."
She yawned for emphasis. She really was tired, or had been, but now—thanks to Lance's stunt-she was wide awake with adrenaline.
"Where's Cindy? You really haven't seen her?"
"I've looked everywhere and can't find her. Are you not worried at all?”
"She's your grandmother's adopted granddaughter, you know. Your grandma raised her, so of course she'd be worried if something happened to her."
“Cindy's missing and you want to sleep?"
"Come with me. We need to start looking for her right now."
Lance looked as if he was completely in the right.
Claire couldn't help but laugh in disbelief. “Lance, do you even hear yourself right
now?"