Just then, Carolline heard footsteps upstairs. She rushed up quickly and saw someone she knew throwing away trash. She greeted them and then returned home.
Bryan Hawkins didn't catch up to her; instead, he exited through the safety staircase and took the elevator down.
As Carolline went upstairs, she saw her father and son still moving the things Bryan Hawkins bought for Axel. Axel was chirping like a noisy little sparrow, nonstop talking to Henry Ruiz, who was listening patiently with a smile.
When they saw Carolline return, Henry Ruiz didn't ask much, but Axel's eyes were full of laughter. "Mom, did you bring dad back? When is he coming again?"
"...." At that moment, Carolline really wanted to sew Axel's chattering little mouth shut, but since he already said it, there was nothing she could do. She glanced guiltily at Henry Ruiz and said, "Dad, um... I'll take the rest."
Henry Ruiz didn't object, leaving the remaining two bags of items for Carolline to take.
