Chapter 229: Death
Patrick Collins sat quietly in the large Collins mansion, silent as ever. He stared down at his scattered reports and let out a long, weary sigh. He didn’t need a doctor to tell him-death was near. He could feel it creeping in, dull and certain, settling into his limbs and stealing his strength. The loss of movement was no longer occasional; it lingered. Just sitting like this made him tired, as if gravity had doubled just for him.
Slowly, with effort, he moved his trembling hands and reached for the small white pill on the table. He placed it on his tongue and swallowed. The doctor had already scolded him—more than once—for continuing with the steroids. They gave him energy, a brief flash of life, but it was a cruel trade. The same pills that helped him move were also feeding the symptoms, pushing him further toward the inevitable. Still, he took them. What choice did he have?
He needed to get things done, and fast. Time was no longer something he could afford to waste. Leaving without finishing what he had started would be too cruel... especially to his Adir. Of all the people in his life, only Adir still mattered. He didn’t have the energy or the will-to care about anyone else.
He had set himself three tasks. Two were already in motion, both in their early stages, moving slowly but at least moving. The third was the hardest: getting in touch with Adam. That part wasn’t just unfinished, it hadn’t even begun. And now, even the thought of it exhausted him. He didn’t have the strength to get on a plane, to fly all that way just to talk.
He had hoped Adam would come to him. Soon. But it seemed Adam had decided to return on his own schedule, whenever that was. Patrick wasn’t sure he had that long.
He sat still for a moment, thinking. If Adam wouldn’t come to him, then he would have to send someone. He didn’t like the idea of involving anyone else—this was supposed to be something he faced himself—but he was too far gone to be stubborn now. There wasn’t enough time left for pride. Someone else would have to approach Adam on his behalf. Probably Elias.
"Spencer’s on his way back."
Patrick stared at the words for a moment with an unreadable expression. Then, to his own surprise, he smiled.
So, the boy had finally decided to return. That could only mean one thing, he was ready to admit his own folly.