“Auriela, why didn’t you tell me?”
“Why would I bother you about something so silly?” she replies, lifting a hand to remove her mask.
Glancing at the machines next to her, I catch her wrist and prevent her from doing so. “The perk of having a doctor next door is that nothing is silly.”
“I thought you were a surgeon.”
“For you it’s the same thing. Tell me how you are feeling?”
Auriela rolls her eyes. “I don’t need another doctor, Xander. I’ve seen enough of them today already.”
“Okay, then tell me as a friend how you are.” I can get the full picture from her doctor later.
“As a friend?” She tilts her head and a few gray curls slip loose from her head. “I’m fine.”
“Try telling me that when you don’t look so pale.” I chuckle. “Please, Auriela.”
“Okay. It’s not the first time. But it’s happened a few times when I take the stairs.”
“You still take the stairs?” My brows dart up. “We talked about this. At your age, the?—”
“I know, I know,” she cuts in quickly. “But if I can still climb stairs, then I’m going to until these old joints give out on me!”
“Or your heart,” I warn softly. “You need to be careful. I’m not ready to let you go yet.”
“Of course not,” she replies briskly. “Who would care for those darlings in your apartment if not for me?”
“Exactly.”
“Although… now that you have a lady friend?” Auriela’s smile turns sly. “Maybe my time is up.”
“Don’t you dare talk like that!” It’s my turn to scold her.
“I’m only teasing. But I am happy you have a new friend.” Auriela’s cold hand closes over the top of mine. “You were so sad for so long, but I look at you now and it’s like something has finally switched on inside you. I’m happy for you.”
“Is it worth my trying to tell you it’s nothing?” I ask softly, unable to keep the small smile from my face.
“Don’t lie to me, I might be on my deathbed.”
“Auriela!”
“Sorry.” She chuckles throatily. “But all the more reason I don’t want to hear your excuses. I know what I see. And she seems like a lovely girl. Are you happy?”
“I feel like you’re trying to distract me from the fact that you’re sick,” I say, turning my hand over until we’re palm to palm. I lightly clutch her hand and nod slowly. “But yes. I think I am, actually.”
“About time.” She grins behind her mask, then erupts into a small, hoarse coughing fit.
I help her adjust her mask around her face as a ball of concern forms in my chest and tightens every time she coughs or wheezes.
Thankfully, it’s near the end of my shift and when her doctor appears to check her over, I step out of her room and call Snow.
“Hello?” Snow’s warm voice does little to ease the worry in my chest.
“Hi. I’m sorry, I won’t be home tonight, but please feel free to use your key. If you could feed the kids, that would be amazing. I have to stay.”
“Okay, sure. Is everything alright? You sound… sad.” Concern bleeds into Snow’s voice.
I close my eyes and picture her standing in front of me with those gorgeous eyes gazing up at me. “Auriela was brought in, so I want to stay with her until I know she’s okay.”
