The Space in Between

Chapter 15

Dre has been a great patient. The doctor gave his discharge order after less than 3 weeks.

Lara arranged Dre's stuff and went out to take care of the documents to finalize the discharge.

Dre was sitting on the bed. With hesitation, he looked at me and said, "You're free now. You don't have to feel guilty and look after me."

"For sure. You're no longer a kid to be looked after." I smirked.

He acted as if he's shocked and tried throwing a joke, "Between the two of us, are you really sure it's me who needs to be looked after?"

We weren't prepared for that statement. We waited for each other's reaction.

He tried to redeem himself. "I didn't mean it. I'm sorry." He mumbled then continued, "Just please don't harm yourself."

I gave him a nervous smile.

Lara entered the room and looked at me. "I really appreciate your help in taking care of my son, Liv. He got better quickly because of you. If you're around and no one's looking after him, who knows what he could have done here." I felt her sincerity in every word.

I don't know if I'd feel great for her words or feel bad because even at this point, she's still not aware I was the reason why her son met the accident.

She continued, "You're welcome to visit us in our home. I'd love to cook for you. My son could use your company."

"Mom!" Dre's face turned red.

Lara looked at him, "What?" She asked. "It's only polite to invite Liv in our house after all the things she did for you."

I looked at Lara then at Dre. I felt a pang in my chest.

"I'll surely visit you if my schedule permits." I replied, trying not to sound nervous.

Dre and I stopped by the kids' ward. Raffy was playing with the kids.

She saw me coming and excitedly called my name, "Liv!"

I rushed towards her and gave her a hug. "I'm so happy to see you playing with your friends. I just dropped by to say goodbye for now, Dre's been discharged." I told her.

Her face dropped as expected. "Is that a sad face?" I asked but not waiting for an answer. "I don't want my angel to get sad so I'll still visit you here from time to time to make sure you're still following Nurse Lydia."

Her face lit up once again.