What Separates Me and You
Chapter 434 Running Out of Time

The cellphone ringtone persisted. It echoed through Josephine's mind as though it had woven its way into her dream.

It was like the school bell. It urged her to hurry.

In her dream, Josephine rushed to complete her homework. But there was too much to do. She couldn't finish everything, so she cried in desperation.

Soon, she woke up.

The ringing grew louder.

Josephine opened her eyes and was shocked to see Lewis next to her.

Then she remembered what he had said earlier.

Her expression turned dim.

Fear was evident on her face.

Lewis hung up the phone and casually placed it aside.

"Are you hungry?" Lewis asked.

Josephine nodded. She attempted to sit up but realized she had no strength at all. She felt weak and decided to lie back down.

Lewis asked Mrs. Larson to bring her some breakfast. He helped Josephine sit up before feeding her some oatmeal.

Josephine hesitated and glanced at him. Perhaps she was too hungry, so she didn't care whether the person before her was good or bad. She opened her mouth and ate the oatmeal.

Lewis calmly fed Josephine the oatmeal, and she ate quietly.

After she finished her breakfast, Lewis asked, "Do you want more?"

Josephine shook her head. She felt utterly drained and decided to lie back down again.

Lewis then brought her a bowl of herbal concoction.

When Josephine saw it, she felt nauseous and almost threw up.

"Drink it. It will make you feel better."

Josephine's nose tingled, and she shook her head. "You're lying."

Lewis contemplated briefly.

"I drank so much, but I'm still sick. You didn't take me home. You even lied to me about my dad ..."

While Josephine spoke, tears welled in her eyes and streamed down her cheeks.

She was too weak, and her words came out fragmented, much like an elderly nearing the end of their life.

Some elderly might appear more energetic than her.

Josephine didn't know the truth yet. She was still hoping to get better and go to places like how she did in the past.

She wanted to ride roller coasters, pirate ships, and even hot air balloons daily.

She also wanted to invite Avery to her house and introduce her to her parents.

Lewis held her hand and said, "I'm sorry. I did lie to you about your dad. But you fell ill because you didn't listen to me. You wandered around and got caught in the rain. Don't ever do that again."

Josephine pouted as tears rolled down her face. "Then don't lie to me anymore."

Lewis nodded. "Alright."

"Let's pinky swear."

Josephine offered her little finger to him.

Lewis stared at her briefly and hooked his little finger with hers.

"Alright, pinky swear. I promise I won't lie to you again."

"Your pants will be on fire if you lie to me."

"Alright, whatever you say."

Finally, a faint smile appeared on Josephine's face. "You'll take me home, right?"

"Yes."

Lewis released her hand and handed her the herbal concoction. "Drink it."

Josephine remained silent and stared at the dark concoction for a while. She suppressed her nausea as she took the medicine. She downed it all as if she were someone on death row.

Yet with the last gulp, she couldn't take it anymore. The bitter and choking taste of the medicine filled her nose and mouth. She quickly leaned over the bedside and vomited everything inside her body.

Lewis' expression seemed complicated as he patted Josephine's back.

Josephine continued vomiting for a while until her mouth tasted bitter. She couldn't get up from the bed's edge.

Lewis helped her up and retrieved a lollipop from his pocket. He unwrapped it and put it in her mouth.

Josephine bit onto the lollipop and wiped the tears from her face. Then, she looked at him with resentment.

She hated this taste.

The sunlight outside was bright. It streamed into the room through the window. It illuminated Josephine's pale face.

Floating dust particles were faintly visible in the air.

Josephine seemed somewhat transparent under the light. It was as if she could disappear at any moment.

Lewis held her hand. His fingertips gently caressed the back of her hand. Then, he said, "The medicine will make you feel better soon." Josephine stared at him. Her tears glistened under the sunlight.

The ringing from the bedside interrupted the peaceful atmosphere. Josephine turned around and saw an incoming call with no name. Lewis sighed and picked up his phone.

Soon, his expression darkened, and the atmosphere in the room turned cold.

Lewis didn't say anything. He only hung up the call, switched off his phone, and put it back in his pocket.

Then, he looked at Josephine and said, "The weather is nice today. How about I take you outside to get some sunlight?"

Josephine looked out the window.

The sunlight was warm and gentle. It wasn't dazzling.

It felt as if spring was around the corner.

She nodded as she saw a swallow flying by the window.

Lewis lifted the blanket and carried her off the bed.

He brought her to the yard downstairs. Dr. Halliday even brought a chair for Josephine.

Josephine tilted her head and saw the willow tree nearby. It had begun to leaf out. Birds would flit through the gaps in its branches and sing their songs.

The flowers were also budding. It seemed like they were about to bloom soon.

Lewis stood by her side and silently followed her gaze.

Dr. Halliday and Mrs. Larson stood gloomily behind and watched them.

Mrs. Larson asked softly, "Dr. Halliday, Mrs. Alvarez ... Is she running out of time?"

She could barely say the last four words.

She was at least 20 years older than Josephine and was still strong and healthy. Josephine should be at her best years now.

Some time ago, Josephine was still lively and active.

Dr. Halliday understood Mrs. Larson's meaning, but he only sighed without saying anything.

Last year, Dr. Halliday mentioned that Josephine's pulse did not show a long life. But, he believed she would still live for at least another ten years. Now, even eight months seemed far-stretched.

The man standing beside her was the one responsible for everything.

No matter what he did now, it felt ironic.

Dr. Halliday said, "Forget it. Get back to work."

Mrs. Larson nodded. She wanted to return and tidy up the living room. Yet, since Josephine hadn't come downstairs in the past two days, the house was already clean. There was nothing much to do.

She found herself with nothing to do.

Josephine sat outside for a while. Shortly, she began to feel drowsy.

She tugged Lewis' hand and spoke weakly, "Lewis, I'm sleepy."

Lewis was somewhat stunned. He fixed his gaze on her.

She looked lethargic under the sun, and her eyelids seemed ready to close at any moment.

"I'll carry you upstairs."

As Lewis was about to lift Josephine in his arms, several cars came speeding towards the gate.

The cars stopped at the entrance, and about eight people got out.

They quickly approached Lewis before pushing open the gate and approaching him directly.

"Mr. Alvarez, we have some questions for you."

"Wait."

Lewis was about to leave with Josephine, but Zach stood before him and blocked his way.

"Mr. Alvarez, we asked you nicely before and gave you many chances. We hope you can also show us respect and cooperate with our investigation."

Lewis' expression turned even colder, and he said sternly, "I said, wait!"

"Mr. Alvarez ..."

Lewis interrupted him. "Are you really in a rush, or are you about to die?"