In fact, Stanley’s words had struck her cold.
At that moment, a nurse suddenly rapped on the door and peered in. “Ms. Rivers, it’s 9 p.m. It’s time for me to take Dr. Quinn’s temperature.”
“It’s 9 p.m. already?” Joyce blurted, taking a glance at the clock. Mildly reproving, she mumbled half to herself, “Time passes so quickly! I didn’t realize that it had gotten so late. Come in, please.”
The nurse smiled and nodded, pushing her cart into the room.
Natalie watched as the nurse drew out a thermometer and deftly took Stanley’s temperature. Seeing her chance, Natalie grabbed her bag from where it lay at the head of Stanley’s bed. “Stanley, Joyce, it’s time for the kids and me to head back too.”
“I’ll walk you out,” Joyce said, rising from her seat.
With the thermometer in his mouth, Stanley could only wave at them.
Modestly, Natalie said, “Please don’t trouble yourself! Stay here and take care of Stanley. We’ll see ourselves out.”
Natalie then turned to her two children, who had been drinking what was left of the chicken soup and watching cartoons. “Connor, Sharon, let’s go,” she called.
“OK!” Connor replied eagerly. He immediately put down his phone and leaped off the sofa with Sharon in tow.
Natalie had them bid their farewells to Stanley and Joyce. They then left the room and walked towards the lift together.
As Natalie drew near the lift doors, Shane suddenly appeared within view. He was leaning casually against the wall nearby.
Sharon flung Natalie’s hand aside in excitement and dashed towards him. “Mr. Shane!”
Shane’s mouth cracked into a smile. He bent down and scooped her up in his arms.
Sharon was a small, squirmy mess and still bore the faint milk smell. Shane’s heart softened as he held her in his arms.
Natalie frowned. She walked towards Shane and Sharon while pulling Connor along. She said blandly, “Mr. Shane, please put Sharon down. We’re on our way home.”
Shane ignored her. He playfully braided Sharon’s hair and asked, “Why did you come out only after so long?”
Natalie’s eyes narrowed. “Mr. Shane, are you implying that you were waiting here just for me?”
Shane raised his chin defiantly but did not reply.
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