Elsie totally lost her cool and couldn't even talk right.

"Mr. Waston, I didn't mean to catch you guys."

Jessie shoved Albert away hard, itching to bolt, but trapped with nowhere to go. Albert stood firm, blocking her path.

Her face flushed but Albert stayed cool as a cucumber.

He told Elsie, "You go soothe Jeslyn. I'll catch up in a second."

Elsie bolted, clearly not wanting any part of this drama.

Once Elsie was gone, silence settled. Albert looked down, his voice soft and scratchy. “Jeslyn tagged along on my trip and fell sick.

She's been feverish for days and missing you a lot. Can you visit her?"

Jessie remembered how vulnerable Jeslyn seemed when she had to leave with Albert.

Jeslyn was like a homeless puppy.

Jessie wrestled inside but Albert didn't give her room to fuss. He simply grabbed her wrist and led her out. Jessie fretted about being spotted, “Let go of me!"

Albert eased his grip, locking eyes with her. "Scared of bumping into Axell? Come on, do you still care what he thinks?"

Jessie nibbled her lip, retorting, "I told you, it's none of your business."

Yet she still hit the button for the kids' ward.

Silent together, Albert stood close.

Ding! The elevator chimed. Albert softly held her arm, whispering, “Jessie, I don't buy that you feel nothing for me anymore."

Tears welled up in Jessie's eyes.

Mixed emotions swirled but she gently pulled away.

Entering the ward one after another, they saw Jeslyn fussing. She knew Elsie adored her and would give her anything she wanted but, when she spotted Jessie, her smile faded fast.

Jeslyn buried under the blanket, grumbling, "What's with the visit?