Madelyn's eyes revealed her deep anguish. However, she could not go through with whatever she had in mind. Setting the knife down, she turned away from Zach, a trace of regret in her expression. Zach then moved closer, wrapping her in a comforting embrace. They adjusted to find a more comfortable position, staying silent until Zach finally spoke.
"Can't sleep?" he asked.
"No, I'm good. You sleep," she replied.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe soon drifted into a peaceful sleep. Later on, a soft sound woke her. Zach, who had been holding her, gently let go of his embrace. He rubbed his arm to alleviate some stiffness before heading to the bathroom. After a while, he left the room.
At eight-thirty in the morning, the doctor arrived for his regular check-up with Madelyn.
"You're recovering well," the doctor noted. "Trying to get up too quickly after waking up was tough on you, but you're showing improvement. Keep this up, and you'll be home within weeks. Don't forget to schedule follow-up visits, so we can keep an eye out for any recurrence of the cancer.” Madelyn replied, "Thanks, doc." He nodded. "You're welcome. Make sure you rest.” "I will." After the doctor left, Zach and Madelyn shared breakfast in her hospital room. Even though she could eat by herself, Zach insisted on feeding her, every so often wiping a smidge of oatmeal from her mouth.
"We can go for a walk outside after you're done eating. It's a beautiful day out," Zach said.
Madelyn, wearing a hospital gown, sat cozily in the warmth provided by the room's heater. The room was bathed in sunlight, which drew her attention to a tree just outside the window, its leaves a rich, vivid gold. The view transported her mind to the tree- lined avenues of France, blanketed in a golden hue.
After their meal, Zach gently helped Madelyn into a wheelchair. Feeling the cooler air outside, he bundled her up with extra clothes, a hat, and a scarf. They strolled around the hospital's man-made lake, seeing several patients out for exercise and therapy.
Madelyn suddenly said, "I want to learn how to drive when I'm better." "I'll teach you," Zach said.
Zach followed the doctor's advice by staying close to Madelyn for three weeks. With his help, she regained her strength and gained some weight. As her health improved, the day came when Madelyn was finally discharged, and she was back to the Jent residence in Southern Haven Villas.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmMeanwhile, Margaret had her hands full. Besides looking after Dalton, she tried creating delicious dishes to encourage Madelyn to eat. Sometimes, Zach had to be a bit sneaky to make sure she ate.
On some days, Madelyn would walk a bit or just lay in bed. Yet, she felt frustrated with how much Zach was babying her. "I can take care of myself," she said, pulling her hand away.
But Zach, always looking out for her, helped her with her coat. "Just let me do this," he gently said, buttoning up her coat.
"Mr. Jardin, Ms. Jent, dinner's ready,” Margaret announced, cradling Dalton in her arms at the entrance.
Though scabs still marked Dalton's face, he was clearly on the mend. If he happened to touch those scabs, it would distress him.
In the past, he was a bundle of energy in Madelyn's arms. However, since she cradled him again just yesterday, he's shown a calm and contented side. At meals, he would often sneak glances at Madelyn and giggle. With rosy, chubby cheeks, Dalton was the picture of health and happiness.