Chapter 184

Mortimer collapsed onto the seat, exhausted. "Whatever. It's not like I need the money."

As his mind drifted, the image of a fragile, pitiful face flashed before his eyes. He sat up and tapped the driver's seat. "Go to the hospital."

"Huh? Why?"

"To get my money back! I fronted her bill, didn't I? We've got to eat somehow!"

Mortimer's reasoning was so sound that Sean couldn't argue. "Fine.”

The car made a sharp turn onto another road.

When they arrived at the hospital, Latisha was still unconscious, a light fog misting the inside of her oxygen mask. Mortimer leaned over, studying her for a long time, but her expression revealed nothing.

After about half an hour, Latisha slowly began to wake. She took a deep breath, her eyes flying open as a wave of exhaustion washed over her. She tried to move her fingers, but even that felt like too much effort. It was as if that single breath had used up all her strength.

"She's awake!" Sean called out to Mortimer.

Mortimer, who had been dozing in a chair, shot upright. He pulled his chair closer to the bed and offered a friendly smile. "You're awake."

Latisha turned her head. Her vision was still blurry, but after a moment, the young man's face came into focus. He had tanned skin, sharp features, and a bright, white smile.

With some effort, she reached up, removed the oxygen mask, and tried to sit up, but failed. Under the fluorescent lights, her skin was almost translucent, which only made the dark clarity of her eyes more striking.

Mortimer paused. "Hey, have we met before?"

Latisha looked at him again. He did seem familiar, but she couldn't place him.

He waved a hand dismissively. "Never mind, I can't remember either. Let's just start fresh. I'm Mortimer Farley. What's your name?"

Latisha pressed her lips together and simply stared at him.

"Hmm? You don't want to get to know me?"

She shook her head, then, after a moment's hesitation, began to sign with her hands.

"Ha, so you can't speak," Mortimer said, watching her gestures. Paired with her vulnerable expression, he found her signing oddly endearing, like a child trying to express herself

Latisha froze. She wasn't sure if he had just guessed or if he actually understood sign language.

She signed again: *Can you understand me?*

Mortimer nodded. "Yeah, I can."

He pulled Sean forward. "The community center we volunteer at has a few deaf kids. I'm basically their teacher."

Sean grinned sheepishly. "Yeah, it's true. Mortimer's a great guy. All the kids at the center love him."

A warmth spread through Latisha's chest. She was surprised, but also deeply touched.

*Thank you,* she signed.

Mortimer waved it off. "Don't mention it. But why were you locked in that car? Did you get left behind, or..."

Latisha's expression darkened. Why

was she the car? She'd have to

ask her nominal husband that.

Probably because he was afrard she'd make a scene and embarrass Yesenia.

Seeing herreluctance, Mortimer

drops just oxygen deprivation the subject. "The doctomet

said it

You'll be fine

Latisha nodded. An awkward silence fell between them.

Sean nudged Mortimer and whispered, "Weren't you here to ask her for money?"