Dorothy watched as Quincy affectionately called Everettâs father by his first name, Jonathan. It
suggested there might be more to the relationship between their families.
âSo, you and Everettâs dadâ¦?â she inquired with a hint of curiosity.
âOh, my dad and Jonathan have been friends for years, Quincy explained with a smile. âI used to hang
out at Jonathanâs residence all the time as a kid. I havenât met Mr. Lopez a lot though. He was usually
away at college here in the States, while I grew up abroad.â
âThatâs impressive, considering how well you speak the local dialect.â Dorothy complimented.
Quincy beamed at the praise. âThanks! I like to think Iâve got a knack for it.â
The two girls chatted and made their way to Quincyâs consultation room.
Quincy first checked Dorothyâs wound, then disinfected the surgical site, and applied a salve she had
developed herself.
âMake sure you apply this every day. Itâs helpful with pain relief and reducing inflammation!â Quincy
instructed, then paused, her concern evident. âActually, why donât you come by daily? Iâll take care of it
for you. That way, you wonât forget it and neglect your own health.â
Dorothy tried to protest, âI shouldnât be bothering you. I can manage.â
âNo trouble at all! Iâm a doctor; itâs what I do.â Quincy stood up, and her voice as gentle as ever. âIâll
walk you back to Mr. Lopezâs
ward now.â
Dorothy nodded in agreement. âSounds good.â
By the time Dorothy returned, night had fully descended.
She was greeted by the savory aroma of a hospital meal as she stepped into the room.
Hearing her entrance, Everett immediately called out. âDorothy?â
âItâs me.â
Everett was confined to lying on the bed. His movements were limited, so he couldnât see who was
entering. He had to guess.
Dorothy approached his bedside and felt his forehead to make sure he wasnât feverish before
speaking. âAre you hungry? I can help you eat.â
âI canât eat that. Foodâs there for you.â
Everett looked at her with helpless eyes, âYouâve been running around all day, worrying about whether
Karen has eaten, but youâve forgotten about your own stomach.â
Dorothy offered a slight smile, âI didnât forget; Iâm just not hungry right now.â
âYou need to eat, especially since you have gastropathy.â
He always remembered the little things about her, no matter how minor they might seem..
Glancing at the spread of foodâall her favoritesâDorothy felt a pulse to cry in her eyes.
She urged to fight it back. As tears were about to drop, she quickly turned away and wiped, hiding from
Everettâs gaze.
âWhatâs the matter. Is there anything that you donât like?â Everett asked, seeing her hesitation to eat.
Shaking her head, Dorothy replied, âNo, thereâs nothing wrong.â
âDonât worry, I made sure thereâs no garlic in any of it.â
Everett never knows the more Everett did for her, the worse Dorothy felt. His attentiveness made her
own commitment seem insignificant by comparison.
âHave a bite.â Everett reached out a hand, trying to touch her shoulder.
But the monitors and cables restricted him, and any further strain might aggravate his wounds,
Hearing his gasp, Dorothy quickly turned back and grasped his outstretched hand. âWhatâs wrong? Are
you in pain?â
âNo.â Everett said, smiling warmly at her. âWorrying about me?â
Dorothy, unaccustomed to his direct gaze, awkwardly looked away. âI worry as you to move too much
and delay your recovery!â
Everettâs lips curved into a teasing smile. âDorothy, youâre the hardest and most stubborn person I
know.â
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