Chapter 118 Only Candice Can!
Elijah remained completely still, a small, unmoving statue. Watching him, a sharp pain lanced through Candice's heart.
She reached out, gathering his small frame into her arms. She held him close, her hand gently patting his back as a stream of soft words flowed from her lips.
She spoke of all the fun they would have, the delicious treats she would make for him, the games she would play with him and Yasmin.
She talked and talked, a river of promises.
After what felt like an eternity, Elijah's body seemed to give a faint, almost imperceptible tremble.
Candice felt it instantly.
She pulled back slightly to look at him, her voice urgent. "Elijah, you can hear me, can't you?"
At her words, Opal and Brandon, who had been watching from the side, rushed closer.
But Elijah didn't make a sound.
His eyes, however, were finally focused on Candice's face. The gaze was still vacant, lost, but it was fixed on her.
Seeing this, Candice's spirits surged. A hopeful smile bloomed on her face. "Elijah, it's me, Candice. I came to see you. Are you really going to ignore me? I brought you candy. Do you want some? And remember our plans? We promised we'd go out and play. And Yasmin, she was so disappointed when the teacher said you couldn't be in the performance you rehearsed together."
Elijah just stared at her, silent.
In the sterile hospital room, it felt as though Candice was the only one speaking, her voice a lonely monologue.
Looking at the unresponsive boy in front of her, a wave of profound sadness washed over her. Had her leaving really hit him this hard?
Her heart ached for him. She hugged him tighter, his head resting against her chest, his entire body quiet and still.
Perhaps it was the warmth of her embrace, or maybe her words had finally started to penetrate the fog.
About fifteen minutes later, it was as if Elijah suddenly rebooted.
He blinked. First, he registered a familiar scent, then the gentle, comforting presence that was uniquely Candice. And that faint, clean aroma of herbs that always clung to her.
Elijah's eyes instantly reddened.
'Is it really Candice? Did Candice come? Or am I just dreaming again?'
He buried his face deeper into her embrace, afraid to look. Afraid that if it wasn't her, the disappointment would shatter him.
Just then, Brandon handed Candice a glass of water. "Here, drink some. You've been talking for a while."
Candice glanced at it. Her throat was indeed dry, so she didn't refuse. "Thank you," she murmured, taking the glass.
Elijah heard her voice, so close it was a whisper in his ear. He blinked again.
This didn't feel like a dream.
He was like a fragile baby animal, too delicate to be tricked, yet too scared to face another loss. He needed to be sure, gathering his courage one tiny piece at a time.
He waited until Candice had finished the water. Finally, Elijah moved.
He slowly, tentatively, lifted his gaze.
The moment he saw Candice's familiar face, right there in front of him, his eyes flooded with red.
It was real.
Candice hadn't left.
She was holding him.
She really came.
His small movement caught Candice's attention. She instinctively looked down.
The second their eyes met, a jolt went through her.
Elijah's awake!
The realization sent a thrill of excitement through her. She hugged him, her voice trembling with joy. "Elijah, you can hear me now, can't you? You're awake, right?"
He didn't answer with words. Instead, he lunged forward, burying his head deep into her chest.
A torrent of pent-up grief and sorrow burst from his small body. His little hands clenched her shirt, and he began to sob, the heartbreaking sounds muffled against her. It was as if he was trying to cry out all his misery for her to hear.
Watching him, Candice was overwhelmed with a mix of elation and relief. Her own vision blurred with unshed tears.
He was crying. That meant he was breaking free from his isolated world.
He was coming back.
Candice held him tight, rocking him gently. "Don't cry. Candice is here. It's okay, Elijah. You're okay, sweetie."
Beside them, Opal was overcome with a similar wave of joy. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered, "Elijah, you scared me half to death."
Brandon was clearly relieved as well, but his expression was complicated as he watched the two of them clinging to each other. Candice was the only one who could get through to him.
He kept his thoughts to himself, merely nodding at Knox. "Go get Dr. Adams."
Knox nodded and immediately left the room.
When Jasper arrived, he was pleasantly surprised by the scene. He didn't interrupt, instead speaking quietly to Brandon. "This is an excellent sign. He's showing emotion, he's crying, that's a good thing. It means he's willing to communicate again."
Brandon gave a curt nod.
Candice continued to soothe Elijah for a long while before his sobs finally subsided.
But he refused to let go of her, his hand gripping her clothes as if he was terrified she would vanish.
Candice didn't try to put him down, sensing his deep-seated fear. She held him, her hand gently patting his back as she murmured soft assurances.
Elijah would occasionally respond with a small, breathy sound, but no real words.
After a few minutes, Brandon and Jasper stepped outside the room.
"What's the best way to ensure a full recovery?" Brandon asked, his voice low.
"The best course of action is for him to stay with the young lady," Jasper stated frankly. "She was the trigger for his withdrawal, and she is the key to unlocking his recovery. If possible, they should be together for an extended period, until he is completely stable. Of course, regular therapy sessions and check-ups here will still be essential."
It was the answer Brandon had already anticipated.
But hearing Jasper say it aloud still made him fall silent for a long moment.
Finally, he nodded. "I understand."
With nothing more to add, Jasper left.
After he was gone, Brandon returned to the hospital room.
Elijah, exhausted from his emotional outburst, had fallen asleep in Candice's arms. Even in sleep, his small hand was fisted tightly in the fabric of her shirt.
Opal saw Brandon return and hurried over. "Brandon, what did Dr. Adams say?"
Brandon's gaze shifted to Candice. "Dr. Adams recommends that Elijah stay with her on a long-term basis. It's the best way to facilitate his recovery."
His words hung in the air. Not only Opal, but Candice too, froze in stunned silence.
'Have Elijah stay with me long-term?'
'How is that even possible?'
Candice said nothing, her mind reeling.
Opal, however, recovered quickly. "If that's the case," she said, her voice full of purpose, "then couldn't Elijah live with Candice?"
Candice was floored. "Mrs. Obelon, what are you saying?"
Opal turned to her, her expression pleading. "Candice, I know this is a huge thing to ask of you, but for this period of time, could you please help Elijah? Could you let him stay with you at your home?"
She let out a heavy sigh. "I know you have a busy life, and this request is completely over the top, but for Elijah's sake… I'm begging you."