Just then, Cole spoke up, “Cami, you just head back and rest easy. I’ll stay here and keep an eye on things.”
He turned slightly, whispering to Camila, “You’ve got to give me a chance to show off a bit.”
Camila paused, then nodded in understanding. “Alright, I really appreciate it, Cole. Knowing you’re with Mom puts my mind at ease.”
Claire overheard their conversation and frowned slightly, saying, “Cole, you should head back too. I’m okay here.”
Cole shook his head with a smile. “Claire, stop trying to send me away. Business at the shop has been slow lately anyway, so I might as well stay here with you and take a break.”
Claire no longer insisted, just sighed softly, “Alright then. Stay if you must.”
Cole gave Camila a triumphant smile.
“Thank you, Cole. Call me if you need anything.”
“No problem,” Cole responded.
Camila adjusted the blanket over her mother, placed a glass of water by the bed, and after confirming with the doctor that her mother’s condition was stable, she finally left the hospital with peace of mind.
As she stepped out of the hospital, the sight in front of her made her pause. That familiar figure was standing quietly at the hospital entrance.
Somewhat surprised, Camila walked up to him. “Why are you here?”
Connor’s face broke into a gentle smile. “I was worried about you. How’s your mom doing?”
“The doctor said her condition is stable now. She should be able to leave the hospital in a few days,” Camila replied.
Connor nodded. “That’s good to hear.”
Camila lowered her gaze, with guilt
swirling inside her. Choking up, she
said, “I was so caught up with Drew’s issues recently. Mom has been coughing then, but I didn’t think too much of it. If only I had taken her to the doctor sooner, it
have led to such a severen’t
pneumonia.”
Compassion welled up in Connor. He gently patted her shoulder, soothingly saying, “You can’t blame yourself. Getting sick is
unpredictable, so don’t be too hard
on yourself.”
He reached out, gently pulling Camila into his embrace, letting her lean on his shoulder. His embrace was warm and solid, as if he could hold up the sky for her. Ads by PubFuture
“You’ve had a long day. Let me take
you home to rest,” Connor
whispered. “If you get sick, how will
you take care of your mom? Se, you need to take good care of yourself first.”
Leaning on his shoulder, with Connor by her side, Camila felt incredibly secure and grounded.
The hospital lobby was bustling, with curious glances thrown their way now and then. Slightly uncomfortable, Camila subtly shifted, trying to wriggle out of Connor’s embrace. Feeling her movement, Connor looked down at her with a hint of amusement in his eyes and let her go.
They returned to the car. Connor started the engine and from the small cooler in the back seat, he handed Camila a strawberry smoothie.
“Have something sweet,” Connor said with an easy tone, as if their intimate gesture was the most natural thing in the world.
Taking the drink, Camila looked up at Connor, feeling a warm glow inside. “Thank you.” Ads by PubFuture
Connor dropped her off at her front door, gently holding Camila’s hand. “Get some good rest. I’m giving you the day off tomorrow.” Camila shook her head, smiling as she bid him goodbye.
After freshening up, Camila lay in bed ready to rest when her phone suddenly rang.
She saw it was Cole calling, and her heart tightened with concern.
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