Chapter 81 Discharged
CHAPTER 81
Discharged.
The hours that followed felt slow and heavy, as though time itself had decided to move carefully around Ruby’s pain. She had cried until her body could no longer carry the weight of it.
At some point, exhaustion had taken over, leaving her quiet. She sat on the hospital bed, her back resting lightly against the pillows, her gaze distant and unfocused. The tears had stopped, but the emptiness that replaced them felt far worse.
Leo stood near the window, watching her without making it obvious. She hadn’t said much. Not since everything had been said and nothing could be taken back.
“Ruby,” he called softly.
Still no response. Her eyes didn’t move.
They stayed fixed on nothing, like her mind was somewhere far away somewhere he couldn’t reach. Leo’s jaw tightened slightly, but he didn’t push. He had learned quickly. Forcing her now would only make things worse.
A soft knock came at the door before the doctor stepped in, holding a file.
“Good afternoon,” he said gently, his tone respectful but cautious.
Leo turned toward him immediately. “How is she?” he asked.
The doctor glanced at Ruby before stepping closer. “She’s stable,” he said. “Physically, there’s no immediate danger.”
Leo nodded once. “And mentally?” he asked quietly.
The doctor sighed softly. “She’s still in shock,” he explained. “What she experienced is deeply traumatic. Losing a parent so suddenly, and witnessing it in that way… it’s not something the mind processes quickly.”
Leo’s gaze shifted briefly to Ruby again.
“She’s not talking,” he said.
“That’s part of it,” the doctor replied.
“Some patients withdraw like this. It’s their mind’s way of protecting them from the full weight of what’s happened.”
Leo exhaled slowly. “What do I do?” he asked. This time, there was no pride in his voice. Just a man asking how to help the person he loved. He can't afford to lose her, he missed her so much and wished he could take away everything that was going on.
The doctor noticed and answered carefully. “You stay with her,” he said. “You make her feel safe. Don’t pressure her to talk, don’t force her to react. Just… be there.”
Leo nodded slightly. “And the panic attacks?” he asked.
“She must avoid stress,” the doctor replied firmly. “Anything that could trigger emotional distress should be minimized. Her body is already vulnerable. If she experiences another severe episode, it could worsen her condition.”
Leo’s expression hardened slightly. “She won’t,” he said.
The doctor gave a small, understanding nod. “I’ll prepare for her discharge,” he added. “She’ll recover better in a familiar environment.”
Leo didn’t argue. He knew that was the best option.
As the doctor turned to leave, he paused briefly before looking back. “There’s something else,” he said.
Leo raised a brow slightly.
“The hospital is… crowded right now,” the doctor continued carefully. “Word has spread that you’re here.”
Leo’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes darkened slightly.
“There are people outside,” the doctor added. “Media as well.”
Leo let out a quiet breath, his hand sliding into his pocket of course it was inevitable nothing in his life stayed private for long. “I’ll handle it,” Leo said.
But the doctor shook his head. “No,” he said. “That would only draw more attention and that’s the last thing she needs right now.”
Leo looked at him, listening.
“We’ll move her through a private exit,” the doctor explained. “There’s a back route staff uses. It’s discreet.”
Then he nodded. “Thank you Doctor.”
“You're always welcome.” The doctor said before leaving.
~\`~\`~\`~\`~
An hour later, everything was ready. Ruby hadn’t moved much. She allowed the nurse to help her change and allowed Leo to guide her gently off the bed. But she still hadn’t spoken, not even a single word and that silence alone worried him more than anything.
“Careful,” Leo said softly as he supported her arm.
She nodded faintly, but her eyes remained distant.
The doctor returned shortly after, signaling to Leo.
“We’re ready,” he said quietly.
Leo gave a short nod.
“Let’s go.”
The doctor led them through a quiet passage, one that felt almost hidden from the rest of the hospital. The lights were dimmer, the air calmer, the noise completely absent. It was exactly what Ruby needed. Leo walked beside her, his hand never leaving hers. He could feel how fragile she was not just physically but emotionally. Every step she took felt careful, she was afraid of something breaking inside her.
“Just a little more,” Leo murmured gently.
At the end of the corridor, a door waited.
The doctor pushed it open slightly, peeking outside before turning back.
“It’s clear,” he said.
Leo stepped forward first, scanning the area instinctively. He turned back to Ruby, guiding her carefully toward the car waiting nearby. The driver stood ready, opening the door immediately. Leo helped Ruby inside, his movements slow and protective.
“Watch your head,” he said softly.
She obeyed without resistance. Once she was seated, Leo turned back to the doctor.
“Thank you,” he said sincerely.
The doctor nodded. “Take care of her,” he replied.
“I will.”
Leo got into the car beside her and shut the door quietly. As the car pulled away, moving along the roads, people were seen going their various ways.
Ruby sat beside him, her hands resting in her lap, her gaze fixed on nothing in particular. Leo watched her for a moment before gently reaching for her hand again. She didn’t pull his hand away and she didn’t react either. He held it anyway.
“I’m taking you home,” he said softly. “That’s where you’ll feel better.”
Still nothing. Leo exhaled slowly, leaning back slightly in his seat. This wasn’t going to be easy. He knew that now. This wasn’t something that would pass overnight or even in a few days and it would take time but he wasn’t going anywhere. His grip on her hand tightened just slightly to remind her that he was there.
“You’re not alone,” he said quietly.
Leo looked out the window briefly before his gaze returned to her. His expression softened, though the worry remained. Because even as they drove away from the hospital away from the chaos, the noise, the watching eyes. He knew Ruby needed a lot to heal. It wasn’t just about protecting her from the world but helping her survive what was already inside her.