By midday, Calvin, as always, arrived with food, checking on her health.

Her recovery was on track, and she was gearing up to leave.

Calvin's face brightened with the update.

He thought how wonderful it'd be for Gerard to return soon. Everyone needed his guidance!

But Gerard was hesitant.

"Not yet, wait till you're stronger."

“I'm good to go. My recovery will continue the same at home," Lilah countered.

Gerard still wanted to persuade her, but his phone buzzed with a call from Brenda; he answered immediately.

To his surprise, an upset voice spilled from the other side. "Gerard, Jerrold has left home!"

The room went silent.

Lilah felt her heart skip a beat.

Why would Jerrold leave? He was always so level-headed.

"What's going on? I'll gather some folks to search," Gerard responded.

Lilah, with tears forming, said, "Let's head back now. We need to find him."

Captured by Lilah's earnest gaze, Gerard agreed. “Mom, hang tight.

We're on our way."

Brenda's voice trembled. "If I wasn't this panicked, I wouldn't have called. A day's passed, and no sign of Jerrold. Do you think something's happened to him? It's on me. He probably heard our talk and that made him leave." Tears clouded her voice.

"What talk are you referring to?"

"The one where you mentioned Ruby's scheme," Brenda clarified.

Lilah pieced things together.

Jerrold probably found out about Ruby's crime and, out of guilt, left.

The poor kid was just too pure and innocent.

“Brenda, we'll be back soon." Lilah's voice was gentle over the phone.

You could hear the emotion in Brenda's voice. Her concern for Jerrold was palpable.