Chapter 123: A Walk in the Country

Emily stayed and worked the rest of the week to make sure things stabilized after Ruby's attempted disruption of the company. Yet, she yearned to get back to California since she wanted to see Teddy again, and Byron would definitely need her support if his father's condition was going to worsen.

From what Byron reported in his daily phone calls, things weren't looking good. Teddy was in a lot of pain, which was dulled only by the strongest drugs, and he was usually too frail to get out of bed.

Emily noticed a much more subdued atmosphere as she arrived at the house, even more so than on her previous visit. Byron picked her up from the airport, and the family welcomed her, but everyone was quiet and somber.

"Hey, fellow soldier," Teddy greeted her when she emerged onto the porch where he liked to spend his days lately.

"I didn't know you were both soldiers," Byron said, sitting down on the porch railing.

"We share a touch of 'battlefield experience' and PTSD," Emily said, "Teddy t