Chapter 21: Protect Her

Elijah rubbed his forehead as he leaned his elbow on the ledge beneath the driver's seat window. When the traffic light shifted from red to green, he pressed down on the gas and headed toward the eye clinic. Upon arrival, he parked in the clinic's lot, exited the car, and entered the building, heading straight for the elevator and pressing the button for the top floor. He had been to this clinic so many times that the route felt second nature.

“It’s good to see you again, Elijah,” Dr. Kelsey greeted as Elijah sat down across from him in the office. “How have you been?”

Elijah offered a faint smile. “Dr. Kelsey. Feeling well,” he replied.

“And how are your eyes?” Dr. Kelsey, his trusted optician, had known Elijah and his family for years, even working with them on occasion.

“I haven’t had any pain recently,” Elijah replied. “I’ve been following your orders, taking my drips and medications.” He sounded like an obedient student, and Dr. Kelsey’s face broke into a gentle smile.