Unspoken Love

Road to Recovery

After the doctor left the room, Mrs. Foster moved closer to Eva, holding her hand as she cried silently. Sir Steven wanted to give them privacy. He didn't want to seem intrusive as he had no right to stay there anymore.

He was about to excuse himself when his phone rang.

'Hello, Mom?' Sir Steven said, answering the call.

'Steven, don't sleep yet. It's the weekend, so we thought we would have dinner together. We are coming in a few minutes. Your Dad has already parked the car,' Mrs. Anderson said in one breath before ending the call.

True to her words, his parents knocked and opened the door just a few minutes later. There stood Mr. and Mrs. Anderson and Philip, with a big basket of dinner items in their hands.

As everyone stared at each other, Sir Steven took the initiative to make the introductions.

'Mom, Dad, meet Mr. and Mrs. Foster, Eva's parents. They got here about half an hour ago,' Sir Steven said with a welcoming smile.

Mr. Foster stood and extended his hand to Mr. Anderson, saying, 'Michael Foster. Nice to meet you.'

Mr. Anderson responded warmly, shaking his hand, 'I am William Anderson. Nice to meet you too.'

The ladies also exchanged pleasantries, with a friendly handshake and smiles.

'I am Steven's Mom, Sarah Anderson,' Mrs. Anderson said.

'I am Lisa Foster, Eva's Mother,' Mrs. Foster replied, her smile reflecting a mix of gratitude and worry.

Philip also joined in the introductions, adding to the sense of unity among both families.

Mrs. Anderson continued, her voice warm and inviting, 'We thought we would have dinner together. Please, join us.' She started to take out everything from the basket, and Philip and Steven eagerly helped her. Mr. Anderson, meanwhile, went outside to ask the hospital staff if they could borrow a few extra chairs to accommodate everyone comfortably.

The room transformed into a cozy setting, filled with heartfelt emotions, as the two families gathered around the table, sharing a meal in the dimly lit room. Mrs. Foster found herself tearing up again, her emotions close to the surface.

Mrs. Anderson, empathetic and supportive, placed a comforting hand on Mrs. Foster's shoulder. 'Eva will get better really soon. Don't worry. You have to stay strong. We're all here for you.'

Mr. Anderson kindly offered, 'You must be exhausted after that long flight. Please be assured that our home is open to you. We'd be more than happy to assist in any way we can.'

Mr. Foster responded with gratitude, 'You've already gone out of your way to help our daughter, even without us asking. We don't want to impose any further on your kindness.' His tone carried a hint of apology. 

'We're considering transferring Eva to Crestwood,' Mr. Foster continued. 'We're hoping she can stay with us at home, and the doctor mentioned that it might be possible with the assistance of a nurse.'

Mrs. Anderson and Philip exchanged a knowing glance and then looked at Sir Steven, aware that Sir Steven wouldn't want to leave Eva's side again, especially when she was unconscious. Sir Steven kept his head down, feigning interest in his food, silently grappling with the emotional turmoil inside him.

Mr. Anderson, understanding his son's inner conflict, offered a suggestion. 'I would recommend that you keep Eva here in Veridonia. The doctors here have been closely monitoring her condition from the start, and we can assist in caring for her as well. But, of course, your comfort and preferences should be the top priority.'