Just in the nick of time, Irene was saved, having teetered on the brink for two harrowing hours.
The doctor stepped out to meet Kevin and whispered with a calming assurance, "She's unharmed. You can breathe easy now."
Relief washed over Kevin, his joy immense.
Nearby, Sean and Abigail also exhaled in relief, thankful the crisis wasn't as grave as anticipated.
…
The next morning, Irene awakened to the stark whiteness of the hospital ceiling. Confusion clouded her mind briefly before clarity returned.
She tried to sit up, wincing from the pain in her hands.
Kevin, who had spent the entire night by her side, stirred at the sound and looked over. Relief flooded his face as he saw her awake.
After a night of staying by her bed, his shoulders and back ached terribly.
"How do you feel? Need anything to eat?" He reached for her hand.
Irene paused, overwhelmed, then murmured, "Was it you who rescued me?"
"Yes, but it wasn't just me. Everyone who cares about you was looking," Kevin replied, holding her hand with gentle care.
"You're safe now. Everything's going to be okay, hmm?" he reassured her.
Memories of her ordeal came flooding back, and Irene clung to Kevin, whispering a heartfelt, "Thank you..."
In the darkness, she pondered the consequences of accepting Leon's advances as she wanted to avoid Kevin. She wondered if things might have been different had she chosen another path.
Indeed, choices carried weight.
"Feeling hungry?" Kevin's voice was soft as he comforted her.
"I am. It's been a while since I've eaten anything," Irene admitted.
Kevin smiled faintly and suggested, "I'll have Abigail bring us something."
"Do you mean Miss Quinn? But she's expecting! We shouldn't trouble her. There are others who can help," Irene countered.
"Then, I'll ask her brother instead. Would that be better?" Kevin found her thoughtfulness endearing.
Even amidst her distress, Irene's concern for others shone through.
Stepping aside, Kevin called Josh. "Yes, Abigail's quite the whiz with food therapy. It might be good for Irene, too. She needs nourishment."
After a pause, Kevin added humbly, "Could you bring it over? I have to take care of her."
After the call, Kevin reassured a now restful Irene, "Don't worry. Josh's bringing it soon."
"Thank you," she said, grateful once more.
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