Just then, Theodore returned. Seeing his father on the ground after coughing up blood, he rushed forward.
Carson was quickly moved to a hospital room. He had late-stage stomach cancer and had refused all treatment, preparing to accept death peacefully.
It was only then that Theodore learned of Carson's condition, and he couldn't accept it.
"He has stomach cancer, and he never told me."
He thought of their recent arguments, his resentment toward his father, and the years of coldness between them. Now, all he felt was regret.
For the next few days, Theodore had to care for both Mrs. Stapleton and Carson at the hospital. Penelope couldn't help, so the only thing she could do was try not to cause him any more trouble.
One evening, Michael called her unexpectedly. Theodore had been in a car accident.
"What? Is it serious?" Penelope asked, hastily throwing on her clothes and heading out the door.
"He's physically fine, but his state of mind is worrying me, so I called you. You should come see him."
The accident happened at a T-junction. It wasn't in the city, so traffic was light, but a collision still occurred. When Penelope arrived, she realized the road led to the cemetery in the western suburbs where Lorraine was buried.
But why would Theodore be heading to the cemetery so late at night?
The cars had been pulled to the side of the road, and the police were handling the scene.
When Michael saw Penelope get out of her car, he hurried over and pointed to a dark area beyond the reach of the streetlights, where the faint glow of a cigarette ember flickered.
"He's over there," Michael said with a sigh.
Penelope nodded and glanced at the driver of the other car. Thankfully, he wasn't hurt, but he was furious.
"What's wrong with him? I had my turn signal on, and he still tried to overtake me! You have to test him; I think he's drunk!"
"We already tested him. He hasn't been drinking," a police officer replied.
Penelope sighed softly and walked toward the glowing ember. As she got closer, she could make out his silhouette and feel the volatile, almost violent, energy radiating from him, even though she couldn't see his face.

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