GoodReadDorothy watched as Quincy affectionately called Everett's father by his first name, Jonathan. It suggested there might be more to the relationship between their families.
"So, you and Everett's dad...?" she inquired with a hint of curiosity.
"Oh, my dad and Jonathan have been friends for years," Quincy explained with a smile. "| used to hang out at Jonathan's residence all the time as a kid. | haven't met Mr. Lopez a lot though. He was usually away at college here in the States, while | grew up abroad.” "That's impressive, considering how well you speak the local dialect.” Dorothy complimented.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtQuincy beamed at the praise. "Thanks! | like to think I've got a knack for it." The two girls chatted and made their way to Quincy's consultation room.
Quincy first checked Dorothy's wound, then disinfected the surgical site, and applied a salve she had developed herself.
"Make sure you apply this every day. It's helpful with pain relief and reducing inflammation!" Quincy instructed, then paused, her concern evident. "Actually, why don't you come by daily? I'll take care of it for you. That way, you won't forget it and neglect your own health." Dorothy tried to protest, "I shouldn't be bothering you. | can manage.” "No trouble at all! I'm a doctor; it's what | do." Quincy stood up, and her voice as gentle as ever. "I'l walk you back to Mr. Lopez's ward now." Dorothy nodded in agreement. "Sounds good." 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. "Dorothy?" "It's me." Everett was confined to lying on the bed. His movements were limited, so he couldn't see who was entering. He had to guess.
Dorothy approached his bedside and felt his forehead to make sure he wasn't feverish before speaking. "Are you hungry? | can help you eat.” "| can't eat that. Food's there for you." Everett looked at her with helpless eyes, "You've been running around all day, worrying about whether Karen has eaten, but you've forgotten about your own stomach.” Dorothy offered a slight smile, "I didn't forget; I'm just not hungry right now." "You need to eat, especially since you have gastropathy.” He always remembered the little things about her, no matter how minor they might seem.
Glancing at the spread of food—all her favorites—Dorothy 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 Everett's gaze.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"What's the matter. Is there anything that you don’t like?" Everett asked, seeing her hesitation to eat.
Shaking her head, Dorothy replied, "No, there's nothing wrong." "Don't worry, | made sure there's no garlic in any of it." Everett never knows - the more Everett did for her, the worse Dorothy felt. His attentiveness made her own commitment seem insignificant by comparison.
"Have a bite." 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. "What's wrong? Are you in pain?" "No." Everett said, smiling warmly at her. "Worrying about me?" Dorothy, unaccustomed to his direct gaze, awkwardly looked away. "I worry as you to move too much and delay your recovery!" Everett's lips curved into a teasing smile. "Dorothy, you're the hardest and most stubborn person | know."
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