Chapter 6

Nicole:

Silence echoed. He had been quiet for a long time after I responded to his teasing, but I didn't expect such a question. Not only that, I didn't think I had the capacity to answer this question now. 

Was it something natural, or was it just me finding a way to make me happy by caring for people? Maybe that was why I was training. Training to help people all my life till I eventually retired. 

Not wanting to leave him hanging, I proceeded to answer his question. 

“Because it’s humane to care.”

He arched his neck so he could have a clear view of my face which made me sigh. He was distracting my work. I had brought him out of the bath, and was trying to dry his hair, but him moving his head was making it difficult.

Since he was making a big fuss about it, I decided to explain things to him.

"Fine, I'm a doctor in training, I guess caring for people runs in line with what I do," I explained, continuing my sentence. "Besides, there's  something else I wanted to discuss with you after you get dressed," I expressed, rubbing the towel on his hair some more.

A low hum erupted from his lips, and he returned his head to its normal position. 

Once I was done, I helped him to the room, and helped him with his clothes. As soon as I finished, I made sure to take him to the bed, but as I was about to do something else, he pulled me back.

"Where are you going?" His hands were wrapped around my wrist, and his eyes stared into mine, making me feel like he was staring into my soul. 

"To clear out the bath, I made sure to prepare you first, I have to--" 

He interrupted me. Instantly. "You told me you want to actually speak to me, and now you want to do something else?" He asked, his tone questioning. However, I scoffed.

"Why are you so curious?" 

My question hit him like a lightning bolt, and he struggled for a few second to answer 

"Um, I'm not. I Just wanted to know what exactly you wanted to talk about. I mean, have you seen the way you sounded back there?” His voice etched with concern.

"Well, I would say you should worry because the topic is a sensitive one, but I have to clear the bath. It won't take long, and I'll be back," I  expressed, but he groaned. 

After a few seconds of thought, he let go of my hands, and I was forced to smile. It was nice to see he was so interested in discussing it because It would make him listen.

Without wasting time, I returned to the bathroom, clearing the bath, and upon return, I pulled a stool, and sat close to him.

"I'm ready to talk about it now," I explained calmly, and his attention was immediately fixed on me. 

"Okay. So what was it you wanted to talk about?" 

I paused my lips together, not sure where I wanted to start from. The look on his eyes was giving me a lot of thoughts about the topic, but I drew in a deep breath and exhaled, convincing myself it was for the best.

"I wanted to discuss a solution. To ask you if you thought about what I said last night about walking again." As soon as I said that, I pursed my lips again, but he turned his face away from me.

His brows were arched, and I noticed how he heaved. It seemed he didn't want to hear the topic, but I didn't care. It was for his own good, and I was prepared to pressure him until he actually got things right.

"I don't want to talk about it. I have tried, and I--" 

"Give up?' I helped him complete his statement. "Is this how you want to remain all your life? You want everyone to look at you with pity?" I threw hard questions at him.

"Listen to me. You are you, and only you can convince yourself, but I feel you're down because you feel it's not working, but it was. Therapy takes time, you can't just--" 

"HOW LONG?!" he roared. His eyes glaring at me. However, from his gaze I could tell he didn't growl that way in anver, but frustration.

"As long as it takes. Come on! You can walk again, and I believe it, but you actually have to make things right. You have to make the calls." 

He pressed his lips, and I could tell he was in thoughts, so I remained quiet. 

"I don't want to, really," he muttered, and I sighed. He was being stubborn, but since he hadn't echoed it to my hearing well enough, I was going to assume anything else.

"It’s not that hard and if it is, I'll  be there every step of the way. You will work again, and I'm sure about it."

After another gruesome wait, he finally nodded, exhaling through his lips.

"Fine. You have convinced me to, but I'm not doing this because you asked me to. I'm doing it because I actually want to walk again. At least, so I can have my dignity back. Do you understand?" 

I nodded, and was still happy. The gladness in my heart wouldn't be explained.

"Yes, yes whatever. I'm going to actually make reservations at the hospital I work in. I'm sure they are capable enough to help since your case isn't that severe," I answered, and then sighed. The decision he made was actually the best for himself, and I was happy he made such a good one. 

I started to plan everything in my head. It was already going well enough, and I loved it. I could imagine him walking on his own without any form of support, and I felt my cheek turn red.

"You aren't actually saying anything. Was that all you wanted to talk about, and why are you smiling so much? You look like you just hit a jackpot."