It seemed that aside from Yolande, Grant was another who truly knew Ernest.
At least, he was privy to more of the dangers Ernest had faced than I was.
But now, I lacked the courage to delve into his past. I feared that learning of his hardships would only deepen my sorrow and longing for him.
"I don't believe it," Grant repeated those words.
I understood that feeling. In my heart, Ernest wasn't gone; he had just traveled to a place beyond my reach.
"Let's just say he's gone on a long journey," I said, giving the bell a gentle shake.
The clear sound somehow filled the emptiness within me with warmth.
Thank goodness!
This bell Ernest left me was truly a lifesaver.
"Give me a moment, and then I have something for you," Grant suddenly said.
"What is it?"
"You'll see," Grant replied before leaving.
I wanted to call after him, but seeing him — usually so full of laughter — now looking as if he had lost everything, I held back.
To me, Ernest was the love of my life, and losing him had shattered my heart.
For Grant, losing Ernest, his battle buddy, felt like losing a piece of himself.
After Grant left, I sat in the office, idly ringing the bell, lost in thought until noon.
"Did she ever mention having a boyfriend?" I prodded further.
"No," Mrs. Walker replied eagerly, "Ms. Hudson, do you know where her boyfriend might be? Maybe Deborah is with him."
"I've never met her boyfriend, but I can ask around," I promised.
It wasn't just out of sympathy for Mrs. Walker's worry that I wanted to find Deborah. I wanted to know what had happened to her too.
Even though I was a mess, I still wanted to help Deborah find her way back. But first, I had to find her.
I used to ask Jefferson for this kind of help, but now I needed someone else.
I gave the bell another shake, its glint under the sunlight proving it was made of no ordinary metal.
"Ernest, for your vengeance, lend me your strength," I whispered, dialing Dustin's number.
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