I pursed my lips and smiled faintly. Then, I looked at Valerie and said, "Your soup's really nice. Thank you!"
Valerie was slightly stunned, and her tears fell even more fiercely, but she smiled.
I thought that I should let go of matters eventually. I didn't want to become someone like Josiah.
Letting go didn't mean covering all the scars, but rather, it was to remain hopeful for the future even after the wounds are reopened.
By the time I sent Valerie off, it was almost midnight. I wasn't too sleepy. Taking into consideration that I had to shift Hendrix's position some time later, I decided to stay up and be on guard.
At midnight, I was in a light sleep. I faintly felt some movement, so I opened my eyes to see Hendrix trying to shift his position and get out of bed.
Reflexively, I immediately sat up straight and got out of bed to hold him.
Due to the fact that he had tugged at his wound, his forehead was slightly sweating. Seeing that I was awake, he looked at me somewhat apologetically and said, "Did I wake you up?"
I shook my head as my heart ached for him. I helped him up and said, "What's wrong? The doctor said that you can't get out of bed yet."
He pursed his lips. He supported himself by his arm on the edge of the bed and said, "I want to go to the washroom."
I was startled for a bit, then said, "There's a bedpan."
"Help me up!" he ordered in a low voice, but it was still powerful with his characteristic huskiness.
He had his own dignity after all. I couldn't dissuade him, so I just helped him get out of bed.
His tall body leaned on me. I wasn't sure if it was my imagination, but it felt like he wasn't putting any weight onto me.
We entered the washroom. His arm was still connected to the IV drip. I didn't think much of it and lowered my head to loosen his pants.
He stopped me with his hand and looked exasperated. He said, "It's alright, I can do this myself. Wait for me outside."
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