Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Later that evening, the doctor came into the room for one last check.

“You’re good to go,” he said, flipping through the pages on his clipboard and putting his pen into the front pocket of his scrubs. “Once the cast is removed, you’ll need to come for rehab so we can make sure there’s no long-term muscle atrophy and that you get back on your feet soon.”

Her parents stood off to the side, visibly anxious, her mother squeezing her father’s hand tight. They collectively let out a sigh of relief at the doctor’s words.

“Thank you, doctor.” Her mother said gratefully, stepping forward to shake the doctor’s hand.

“I was just doing my job,” he replied with a chuckle. “Take good care of yourself, Miss Monroe.” With a nod to the rest of the room, he turned to leave.

As the doctor walked to the door, her father immediately followed to ask follow-up questions and sign the discharge forms.

Inside the room, Ethan was kneeling at the foot of the bed, adjusting the wheelchair. He checked the wheels and tested the brakes— rolling it forward and backward multiple times and stopping to ensure everything worked properly. Her mother hovered beside him, offering suggestions and tips

Chloe’s voice drifted faintly from the bathroom—singing a pop song— where she was packing up their toiletries and other things into a bag.

Her father returned not long after, holding a small white paper bag in his hands. “I got the drugs.”

“Everything?” her mother quipped.

“Yes. Painkillers, antibiotics, and the anti-inflammotary cream for your shoulders.” He walked over to her mother and held it open so she could look inside.

“Thanks, Dad,” Lily called softly from the bed.

Everyone in the room turned towards her.

“All right then,” her mom said, clapping her hands. “Let’s get you home.”

Ethan stepped forward. He moved cautiously to the bed to lift Lily.

She had already changed from the hospital gown to a soft, flowery spaghetti-strap dress, layered with a light cardigan. The neckline dipped into a V that exposed parts of her shoulders and collarbone. Ethan could see the bruises that remained as a result of the accident. The discoloration had already faded from purple to yellow, but he stiffened slightly when his eyes caught them.

As he leaned in, the faint scent of his cologne hit her— throughout their marriage, she had only smelled it a few times, he was hardly ever this close to her.

Her breath caught when his arm slipped to her back. She looked up instinctively and their eyes met.

For a moment, everything around them paused.

“Is something wrong?” Chloe asked, as she out of the bathroom, zipping the toiletry bag shut.

“No,” Ethan answered quickly and stood up straight with Lily in his arms.

She said nothing, turning her face towards his chest. She inhaled slowly, catching a whiff of the cologne again. Somehow ,it calmed her tense nerves.

The walk to the wheelchair was short, just a few steps, but it felt like forever to both of them.

Ethan lowered her slowly into the seat, his hand lingering longer than necessary before he pulled away.

Lily took in deep breaths, steadying herself. She could still feel the warmth of his fingers on her back.

Chloe stepped forward, unfolding a light blue blanket, and laid it gently across Lily’s legs.

Then she stepped back, giving room for Ethan to push the wheelchair, but Lily reached out and caught Chloe’s wrist.

“Can you push me?” she asked quietly.

Chloe glanced at her, her eyes shifting to Ethan, then back to Lily. “Of course.”

There was a long pause as Ethan stood frozen behind the chair.

Her parents noticed the odd friction, but neither said nothing. They exchanged a brief glance— worried and confused.

Ethan walked to the bedside table and pick up Lily’s phone and handbag. Chloe walked behind Lily and took hold of the handles, adjusting her grip before turning towards the door.

They walked out of the roomx, with her parents closing the door behind them.

Lily tilted her head to look at the door, her mood odd. When she was brought in, she was unconscious and now she was leaving.

The group made their way down the hallway. It was quiet, they were in the VIP wing after all. A few nurses passed by with clipcbords and medical supplies, waving goodbyes or offering get well soon wishes as they recognized Lily.

Lily straightened in her seat. “I want to see him before we leave.”

Chloe led her to the ward next door, and Ethan stepped forward to knock gently on the door.

A muffled “Come in” came from inside.

Inside the ward, the taxi driver's wife sat by the bed watching the monitor. She immediately stood up when them walk in.

“How is he?”

“He woke up earlier today, and his currently asleep,” she answered with a smile. “The doctors said he’ll be okay.”

Lily let out a breath of relief. “Oh thank goodness, I was so worried. I apologize for not visiting earlier.”

“You don’t have to apologize miss,” The woman gestured to the room. “I can’t thank you enough for all this. The private room, the doctors, everything. I–”

“No. No. It’s what we should do.” Lily said firmly. “If it weren’t for your husband… I would be in a worse situation. My family and I would make sure he gets the best care. You can rest assured.”

“You have done enough, really.” The woman said, her voice cracking. “The accident wasn’t your fault. No one would have expected a bunch of kids would be out racing drunk.”

“But he chose to save me anyway,” Lily said gently. “Tomorrow, my brother will bring a new car, please accept it as a token of our appreciation.”

“I—”

“Please.” Lily insisted.

The woman’s eyes reddened. She nodded. “Thank you. On behalf of Donald, thank you.”

At the hospital’s main entrance, Aspen waited by the car— a silver Sienna— chatting with their father through the window.

Her mother was already seated in the back with him, fluffing up a pillow.

Chloe carefully wheeled Lily towards him. Ethan trailing closely behind.

Chloe parked the wheelchair beside the car, and Aspen stepped forward to lift her.

But Ethan was faster. “I’ve got her,” he said.

“Wait.”

Lily’s mother placed the pillow on the seat.

Ethan gently placed Lily in the middle row, tucking the blanket around her legs. His fingers brushed her knee, sending a jolt of electricity through both of them.

Aspen folded the wheelchair behind him and stowed it in between the seats before stepping back out of the car.

Chloe took the other seat while Aspen sat in the passenger seat.

“My car would follow behind yours,” Ethan said.

It wasn’t clear who he was speaking to— her? Her parent? Aspen?— but Lily only turned her head to look out the window, blocking out everyone.

Ethan stood on the sidewalk, watching it go.