chapiter 8: « I'm always in the habit of everything...»

In a tense atmosphere, Elie closed the bedroom door behind him, diving into Elsa's gaze. She understood that the upcoming conversation would be important.

"Listen, if you wanted to talk about this morning, I..." she began, but Elie interrupted her by handing her an object.

"Take this! It's for you!" he said in his usual calm tone.

Intrigued, Elsa looked at the gift Elie was offering her. "What is it?"

"A new phone!" he replied, enthusiasm in his voice.

"For me?" she exclaimed.

"Yes, for you! You need one so we can talk when we're far from each other," Elie explained.

"I see! Thank you!" Elsa said, a bit embarrassed.

But quickly, the subject of the hospital emerged in their exchange. "And what about the hospital?" Elie asked.

Elsa hesitated. "The hospital? You mean for my family?"

"Yes! Have you figured out what to do?"

She looked down. "Well, no... Do we really have to go? You know I..."

Elie pressed on. "You don't have anyone else to rely on, do you?"

A heavy silence fell as she couldn't respond.

"They're in which hospital?" he asked gently.

"It's in the hospital not far from the city," she murmured.

"I see. I'll ask a caregiver for them during your absence. And I'll make sure they inform you of everything happening every hour so you won't worry anymore. Is that okay with you?"

A relieved smile appeared on Elsa's face. "Of course! As long as my family is safe, I'm fine with everything."

"Very well! It's settled then! We'll leave in a few days, so you should get ready," Elie concluded with determination.

Elsa hesitated once more. "But...!"

"But what? Is there another problem?"

She took a deep breath before letting it out: "Uh... Actually... Aren't you going to scold me for what I did this morning?"

Elie raised his eyebrows in amusement. "And if I scold you, are you going to respond to me?"

She retorted passionately: "Of course! Do you think my family's life is a game too? They only worry about their money while my whole family is unconscious in a hospital bed... And him, he's relieved? Do you hear that? Relieved??? Wow! Not only does he take things lightly as a joke, but it also turns out he has no heart. I haven't even touched his money yet and here we are..."

Elie interrupted firmly: "Stop! You see? That's why I'm not scolding you. You talk way too much for me."

Elsa exclaimed: "Oh! But I'm not finished yet. I still have a long list to say."

"I've heard enough for today!" he retorted as he changed the subject. "But actually, why are you wearing the same clothes as yesterday? Don't tell me you don't even have another outfit to change into?"

She sighed: "Yes, this is all I have on me! I was on the verge of living on the street, do you understand?"

Elie sighed heavily before saying: "Alright, get ready, we're going out!"

Elsa questioned: "Get ready? Where are we going?"

He then realized his oversight and added: "Oh right, you don't have anything else to change into! Just follow me!"

She protested grumpily: "That's really mean of you to say! I admit it's true but you didn't have to say it like that." She followed him while pouting.

"Oh! Do you need help?" she asked while pushing Elie in his wheelchair.

"No need, I can manage!" he replied firmly.

"That's true, but you shouldn't tire yourself," she insisted, continuing to push him. "You can count on me for that. For example, carrying your things or helping you get into a car and even washing you!"

He retorted humorously, "I already have my butler for that, and why would I let you wash me? I may not be able to walk, but I can still move my hands and fingers. I can wash myself, and I don't even want to undress in front of you."

Elsa replied mischievously, "But you can wear your underwear, right? I'm not going to look at anything."

He shook his head firmly: "No means no! Why are you making me talk so much?"

"Let's just say it's my habit to make people talk," she answered with a cheeky smile.

Elie gave her a questioning look: "What do you not have as a habit?"

She shrugged casually: "Nothing! I'm always in the habit of everything... Except having a lot of money in my pockets or having called someone romantically since I've never had a boyfriend."

He smiled slightly: "I'm not surprised by that."

"That's mean too!" protested Elsa.

He chuckled softly: "But I'm just telling the truth!"

She rolled her eyes before asking, "Do you find that funny?"

He answered sincerely: "I'm not saying it to be funny, but if you say so..."

In a light atmosphere filled with laughter, Elsa playfully teased Elie.

"Do you want me to push you down the stairs the next time I carry you like this?" she shouted while laughing.

Elie, with an amused look, replied: "That's why I don't need your help."

Elsa burst out laughing, amused by his response. "Ha! Ha! You shouldn't be so cheap, Mr.!" she exclaimed.

Not far from them, Mrs. Seo, Elie's mother, watched the scene with tenderness. Her heart filled with joy seeing her son having fun like this. *"My son is happy!"* she thought, a sweet smile lighting up her face.