In My Desperate Time

After picking up the child, I go back home with Frances.
By the time we get home, it's almost ten.
Old Mr. Louis is usually asleep at this time.
So I don't expect to see him still awake and chat with Hilda on the sofa when I arrive at the door.
Thinking of my promise to old Mr. Louis, I stand at the door and don't know if I should go in or not.
Old Mr. Louis doesn't see me. But hearing the sound, he certainly knows that we are back.
He sits up straight and says in a deep voice, "You have to do what you promised me. I'm still here, so you should know what to
do."
Of course, these words are for me.
I have nothing to retort, and I don't intend to.
"Grandpa." Frances' face darkened. He wants to say something, but I stop him.
I hand Earl in my arms to Frances and whisper to him, "Go in. I'll be there soon. I'm good."
Frances shakes his head and stands still at the door, resolutely disagreeing with me.
It's so windy tonight. Standing outside, I even feel my face hurt. Earl is still so young. How can he endure such a strong wind?
I shake my head and say to Frances in a low voice, "Go in with Earl. I don't want him to catch a cold. Give him a bath and I'll be
there soon."
Frances looks around at the swaying trees, then looks at Earl in his arms, and finally walks in helplessly.
When he passes by Old Mr. Louis, he stops.
"Grandpa, it's already late. You should go to sleep."
"I know what I should do."
After Frances finishes speaking, he goes upstairs. Old Mr. Louis is still sitting there, chatting with Hilda.

I don't wear much and can only bear with the wind for a while. But it's already midnight. After standing at the door for half an
hour, I get Goosebumps all over my body.
"Sir, it's time for you to sleep," Hilda looks at me and says to Old Mr. Louis.
But actually, I can tell that when she looks at me, her eyes are filled with pride.
It's obvious that she wants me to stand outside forever.
Old Mr. Louis shakes his head and says, "I'm in the mood to chat. Let's continue."
Old Mr. Louis and Hilda continue to chat. I can't stand the cold wind anymore but can only watch the series on my phone to kill
this long and boring time.
However, my body is getting stiffer and stiffer, and I feel a little dizzy.
Just as I'm about to fall asleep, old Mr. Louis finally stands up and says to Hilda, "I'm a little sleepy. I'm going to bed."
As he speaks, he slowly goes back to his room.
It saves my life. I run in quickly.
My frozen body instantly becomes much warmer.
When I run past Hilda, I hear her gloating voice.
"You really should see how miserable you are now."
Well, I don't need her to tell me.
"So what? I'll be warm after I go back to my room and hug Frances. I'm much happier than someone like you who is too lonely to
sleep every night."
I hold my head high and quickly go upstairs after saying this.
As soon as I arrive at the door, Frances comes out.
When he sees me, he brings me into the room, frowning.

"You didn't come in all this time? You must be freezing. Go to take a shower now and don't come out until you're warm."
I nod, take my nightgown, and go to the bathroom.
After washing for a long time, I finally feel warm. As soon as I climb into bed, Frances hugs me tightly.
"I'm sorry you have to go through this."