*JIMMY'S POV*
Jimmy sat by the window, staring at the river that sparkled under the late afternoon sun. The sound of water flowing couldn't soothe the storm inside him. He hated himself. Every day reminded him of Israel, his brother, his laughter, his life, gone because of one careless moment behind the wheel.
The accident played in his mind again and again. Israel had told him to slow down, but Jimmy had laughed, speeding just a little faster, chasing a fleeting thrill. Now, he was here ,trapped in a wheelchair, his body fine but his spirit broken
Caregivers came and went. Every time he shouted, insulted, or pushed them away, they left leaving only his guilt and his silence behind. He didn't want anyone. He didn't want help. He didn't want to live for himself anymore.
Jimmy's eyes drifted across the room to the door. Soon, a new caregiver would arrive. He didn't care who it was. He would chase her away like the others. He always did.
CHAPTER 2: A PERSISTENT STRANGER
Sharon adjusted the strap of her worn handbag as she stood in front of the large gate. The house was bigger than anything she had ever imagined, quiet, polished, intimidating.
"Are you sure this is the place?" Elizabeth's voice echoed in her head from earlier that morning.
Sharon exhaled slowly. "It has to be."
She knocked.
A few seconds later, the gate opened, and a middle-aged woman stepped out, her expression calm but tired.
"Yes?"
"Good afternoon, ma," Sharon said politely. "My name is Sharon. I came for the caregiver job."
The woman studied her for a moment before nodding. "Come in."
As they walked into the house, Sharon couldn't help but notice how quiet it was. Too quiet. Like something was missing.
"My name is Esther," the woman said. "Jimmy's mother."
"Yes, ma."
Esther stopped and turned to her. "Before you meet him, I need to warn you.
Sharon straightened slightly.
"My son is not… easy," Esther continued. "He has had many caregivers. None of them stayed."
Sharon swallowed but nodded.
"I understand, ma."
"No, you don't," Esther said softly. "He will shout at you. He will insult you. He may even fire you on your first day."
Sharon hesitated for a second, then said, "I really need this job, ma."
Esther looked at her for a long moment, then sighed. "If you can stay… I will increase your salary.
Sharon's eyes flickered with relief. "Thank you, ma. I'll do my best."
Esther gestured toward a door. "He's inside."
Sharon took a deep breath and knocked.
"Come in," a cold voice said from inside.
She opened the door slowly.
Jimmy sat by the window in his wheelchair, his back slightly turned. The sunlight cast shadows across his face, but even from where she stood, she could feel the heaviness in the room.
"Good afternoon, sir," Sharon said gently. "My name is Sharon. I'm your new"
"Get out."
The words were sharp. Immediate.
Sharon blinked. "Sir?"
"I said get out," he repeated, his voice colder this time. "I don't need a caregiver."
She stood still.
"I can take care of myself," he added. "Whatever they are paying you, it's a waste. Leave."
Sharon tightened her grip on her bag.
"Sir, I"
"Did you not hear me?" Jimmy snapped, turning to face her fully. "Or are you deaf?"
Silence hung between them.
For a moment, Sharon considered walking away. Just like the others probably did.
But then she remembered the rent. Elizabeth. Everything.
She took a step forward.
"Sir," she said, her voice steady now, "with all due respect… you are my business."
Jimmy frowned.
"And I'm going to take care of you."
A short, disbelieving laugh escaped him. "You must be new."
"Yes, sir," she replied calmly.
"Then let me make it clear," he said, his eyes hard. "You won't last here."
Sharon gave a small nod. "We'll see."
Jimmy stared at her like she had just said the most ridiculous thing in the world.
"Get out," he said again, quieter this time.
But Sharon didn't move.
Instead, she walked past him.
Jimmy's brows furrowed. "What are you doing?"
"I'm checking the room," she replied simply. "It needs cleaning."
"It's fine the way it is."
"It's not," she said, already adjusting the curtains slightly to let in more light.
Jimmy scoffed. "You're very stubborn."
Sharon allowed herself a small smile. "I've been told."
He watched her for a few seconds, confused, almost… curious.
"Don't get comfortable," he muttered. "You'll be gone soon."
Sharon turned to him. "We'll see about that too, sir."
For the first time, Jimmy didn't have a reply.
He simply turned back to the window.
And Sharon, quietly, began her work.