EFB Chapter 125: Rick making a move?
Chapter 125: Rick making a move?
Chapter - 125
Rick's eyes narrowed as he stared at the pale blue screen in front of him, his lips turning upwards in a smirk. A choice had presented itself, something he was waiting for. It had been a while since he encountered a prompt, and he sighed in relief as he read through the sentences. The system was not dead yet.
[
1. Make sure Olivia's comfortable, take her back to her house. (+10 Temptation)
2. Offer Olivia shoulder. (+5 Temptation)
3. Mind your own business and stay away. (-10 Temptation)
]
Rick's attention shifted to Olivia, who was sprawled out on the cold, metal chairs in the waiting room. His dad sidled up, speaking in a low voice, "Olivia hasn't set foot at home for days. She has been here, right by Emily's side, the entire time. She hasn't changed her clothes or taken a moment for herself."
Rick ran a hand through his hair, a worried crease forming on his forehead. "Dad, I've noticed. She's been a rock, but she is pushing herself too hard. She can't keep at it like this."
Dad nodded knowingly, "I have tried telling her, but she is not budging. Thinks she has to be glued to Emily's side every minute."
Rick kept his eyes on Olivia, his concern deepening. "I get it, Dad. Emily means the world to her. But if Olivia crashes and burns, she won't be any good to Emily. We have got to get her to take a breather, even if it's just for a little while."
Dad sighed in agreement. "I am totally with you, Rick. But getting her to see reason? That's the tricky part. She has got it in her head that she can't leave Emily's side, no matter what."
Rick let out a thoughtful hum, the solution playing out like a neon sign in his mind. "Dad, it's crystal clear. We've got to make her see that it's perfectly fine to take a breather. Emily needs her at full tilt, and that means getting some shut-eye."
"Maybe we can help her in this, you know? Take shifts being with Emily so Olivia doesn't feel like she is ditching her, leaving Emily alone," Rick proposed.
Dad nodded, a glimmer of hope in his eyes as he processed his son's idea.
"I will talk to her, Dad. We've got to make her understand that looking out for herself is as crucial as being Emily's rock," Rick declared, determination etched on his face.
Rick sighed, throwing in a nod for good measure. "Like seriously, we are not banishing you to the land of no return, Olivia. Just a quick breather, you know? Shower, have a warm meal, take a small nap. It will be like hitting the reset button, I swear."
As if on cue, a ping echoed in Rick's head, and Rick's eyes darted to the blue screen once more. The system, had given him two options as well.
[
Assure Olivia of the hospital staff's capability. Downplay the urgency for her presence. Help her understand that taking care of herself is vital for Emily's recovery. (Temptation +5)
There is always Reverse psychology. Tell Olivia that she can do whatever she wants to. They are no one to tell her anything. She is a strong, independent woman. She can even look like a mess in front of Emily when she wakes up. (Temptation +10, Ero Points: 5,000)
]
"Olivia, I understand," Rick began, as he sighed, "You are a strong woman with independent thoughts. We are no one to tell you what you should or should not do. You can even be a mess in front of your daughter. Not like we care."
And it struck a bone. Olivia looked torn, the struggle evident in her eyes. Rick's words have left her trembling.
After a brief hesitation, she nodded reluctantly, agreeing to take a short break.
As the decision settled, Olivia turned to Rick's father, a weariness present on her face. "Can you take me home, John? I just need a change of clothes, and I will be back soon."
Before his father could respond, Rick interjected, "Olivia, I will take you home. It's not a problem." He turned to his father. "Dad, do you have any issues staying at the hospital for a bit longer?"
Rick's father appeared a bit confused by the unexpected offer but agreed. "I can stay. You take care of Olivia."
With a nod of gratitude, Rick turned his attention back to Olivia. Without wasting a second, he gently helped her to her feet, providing the support she needed. As Olivia gathered her belongings, Rick helped her carry her bags and guided her to the door.
"I will be back soon, Dad," Rick reassured his father. Olivia followed him as they left the waiting room.
As they made their way out of the hospital, Rick kept a comforting arm around Olivia's shoulders, guiding her through the corridors. She turned to him, a genuine appreciation in her tired eyes. "Thank you, Rick. I don't know what I would have done without you."
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