Chapter 527: Terminal Straight-Man Cancer
"I’m really not sick. Why would I go to the hospital when I’m perfectly fine?" Rosalind Green said with immense patience, repeating over and over that she wasn’t sick.
But if she knew her son thought she had a mental illness, would she still be this calm?
"If you’re sick, you get treatment. If you’re not, there’s no harm in getting a check-up."
Adrian Hawthorne’s tone was still firm. He genuinely thought Rosalind Green wasn’t mentally sound. He’d only been gone for a week. How could his mother possibly transform from a delicate damsel, too weak to even truss a chicken, into a fierce heroine who dared to attack people?
’It was more likely the sun would rise in the west!’
Rosalind Green felt helpless. Her son’s temper was just like his father’s; once he made a decision, he wouldn’t allow anyone to refute it. But she really wasn’t sick. Her appetite had even improved recently, and she’d gotten stronger. She could even lift a full bucket of water with ease now.
Tang Xiaonan was also confused. Why the sudden urge to take someone to the hospital when they were perfectly fine? Rosalind Green had a rosy complexion lately, was full of vigor, walked with a spring in her step, and was quick with her chores. She didn’t look sick in any way, shape, or form!
"Mr. Hawthorne, what illness does Aunt Green have?"
If you don’t know, just ask. Tang Xiaonan voiced the question on everyone’s mind.
"We’re just going to the hospital for a check-up. It doesn’t mean she’s definitely sick," Adrian Hawthorne said vaguely, afraid that saying "mental illness" would agitate Rosalind Green and make her condition worse.
He had promised his father he would protect his mother well, in all aspects, both physical and mental.
Tang Xiaonan blinked, studying Rosalind Green closely. She really didn’t look like she needed to go to the hospital. ’Does the big shot have X-ray vision? Did he spot some hidden ailment?’
Jim Thorne, ever the impatient one, yelled, "Your mom can eat, she can sleep, and she can even carry water! Going to the hospital for no reason is just asking for bad luck. You got money burning a hole in your pocket or something?"
Lately, he’d started to find Rosalind Green a little less disagreeable. Under his own mother’s tutelage, the "ugly monster" had finally shaped up a bit. Of course, she was still as ugly as ever in his eyes, but she was much more capable than before. At least she could carry water now, showing a hint of his own mother’s flair.
Rosalind Green nodded repeatedly. She really didn’t want to go to the hospital, but her son was the one in charge now, and she didn’t feel right contradicting him. She just hoped he would change his mind.
But Adrian Hawthorne wouldn’t budge. He was determined to take Rosalind Green to the hospital. Clayton Xavier seemed to have caught on and asked tactfully, "Do you think Aunt Green’s mental state isn’t quite right?"
Everyone exchanged looks of surprise. What did he mean her mental state wasn’t right? Rosalind Green was in high spirits; she could probably take on a few more hooligans without breaking a sweat.
Adrian Hawthorne didn’t say a word, but his expression was answer enough. It was just as Clayton Xavier had guessed. Tang Xiaonan finally understood, too. ’So the big shot thinks his own mother is crazy!’
’Holy crap!’
’What kind of son is he? If you ask me, *he’s* the one who seems crazy.’
’Then again, the Adrian Hawthorne in the book really did have some mental issues. Don’t tell me it’s starting early?’
Jim Thorne also caught on. He slapped his forehead and asked in disbelief, "You mean your mom is crazy?"
Dead silence...
The color drained from Rosalind Green’s face, then rushed back, only to vanish again, leaving her deathly pale. Her eyes reddened, and she looked at Adrian Hawthorne as if on the verge of tears, her lips trembling. ’My own son suspects I’m crazy?’
’Am I such a failure?’
"I mean we should get it checked out. I didn’t say it’s for sure."
Adrian Hawthorne tried to explain in what he thought was a tactful way, but the more he explained, the more heartbroken Rosalind Green became. He was already telling her to go to the hospital for a check-up; that meant he was convinced she was mentally ill. She didn’t blame her son. She only blamed herself for being so disappointing in the past.