By the time he returned to the hospital, evening had settled in again. The pace was quieter, his routine was familiar, the patients he needed to visit were relaxed, their charts updated, and all seemed under control.
The only thing was, except he wasn’t. His visit to Randi’s exhibithad affected him deeply, more than he could have ever expected possible.
“Dr. Clay,” Elena called softly as he approached the nurses’ station. “You’re back.”
He brushed his fingers through his hair, nodding.
“How’d she do today?”
Elena hesitated.
“She? You have five patients on this ward.”
He chastised himself silently and attempted humor to cover his foolish error.
“What? You’re not a mind reader too? My apologies.”
She smiled with acceptance.
That was the reaction he needed to see.
“She had a very good day and spent a short while in the children’s ward.”
He registered shock surprise.
“She what?”
“It was a very therapeutic visit for both her and the children. She experienced slight movement in her fingers and asked if she could visit the ward again tomorrow. The full report has already been uploaded onto her file.”
He nodded happily.
“That’s wonderful news. I think it’s time to move her upstairs and lift the visitor restriction. I’ll sign the change as soon as it’s ready.”
Elena nodded.
“I’ll get them ready for your signature right away, Doctor.”
CHAPTER 6
Morning came softer this time. Not gentle, but… manageable. Pain still lingered, threaded through every movement, every breath—but it no longer consumed her the way it had before.
Randi sat propped against her pillows, her gaze drifting toward the window as muted sunlight filtered through. She survived another night. That had to count for something.
A soft knock sounded at the door before it opened. Brew stepped inside. He didn’t rush, didn’t announce himself beyond his presence, but she felt it anyway. Her eyes shifted to him, and something in her expression eased.
“You’re up,” he said, his voice steady, warm and familiar.
“I’m getting good at that,” she replied softly.
“How are you feeling?”
She hesitated, her lips quirking to the side.
“Better. Not… good. But better.”
He gave a small nod and moved further into the room.
“That’s progress.”
