Until I found you

Part 16 "She cares"

As soon as Zayn woke up, he barely managed to open his eyes. The severe fever from last night still had his head throbbing with pain. But when he finally managed to look around, what he saw left him stunned. Zayn's head was resting on Daisy's lap, and one of his hands was tightly clasped in her hand. Daisy had fallen asleep sitting up against the bed, and a water compress was on the stool next to the bed. When Zayn looked at her, he saw that she was asleep. Some of Daisy's curly brown hair had fallen across her face.

As he sat up, Daisy woke up with a start. Seeing him sitting up, she said anxiously, "You're awake? Actually, last night you were so unwell that I... (Daisy)

-- Thank you. (Zayn)

Daisy fell silent at his words.

-- I couldn't get up from bed all day yesterday due to the fever. If you hadn't come to see me last night, I might have... (Zayn)

Before Zayn could finish, Daisy covered his mouth with her hand.

-- You shouldn't talk like that. Nothing is that easy. Actually, I should have checked on you in the afternoon. You were missing all day, so I had to come at night after much hesitation. (Daisy)

-- I'm really sorry that you had to go through so much trouble for me. (Zayn)

-- I just did what my heart told me to do. Last night my heart said I should make sure you get well, so I helped you. There's no need to be sorry. Please see a good doctor today. Otherwise, if the fever returns, it'll be dangerous. There are two more medicines on the table, take them after breakfast if you can. And you don't need to go to college today. (Daisy said firmly.)

-- But if I don't go to college, I'll miss a lot of classes. Also, I don't have any friends who would come and give me notes. (Zayn)

Daisy thought for a moment and said,

-- I'll arrange the notes for you. Please take today's day to rest at home. Study from home if you need to. You can go to college from tomorrow. (Daisy)

-- But how will you get my class notes? (Zayn)

-- I'll manage. You rest. I'll be off now. (Daisy)

As Daisy was about to leave, Zayn called her back,

-- Since that train journey, you've been helping me. Give me a chance to give you something in return. (Zayn)

Daisy frowned and looked at him, who was now sitting on the edge of the bed, his legs dangling. With his hair falling across his face, he looked incredibly cute. Daisy, though standing not far away, turned her face away, perhaps fearing an invisible attraction.

-- There's no need for that. I don't like such gifts. (Daisy)

-- Then tell me what you do like. I'll try to give you that. (Zayn)

-- For now, just rest and get well. I'll think about the rest later. (Daisy)

With that, she left.

Zayn lay back down and closed his eyes. He noticed the cloth used to give him a water compress last night still lying in bed. As he reached for the cloth, which was actually a handkerchief, his phone rang.

It was his grandpa calling. As soon as he answered, Robert's affectionate voice came from the other end,

-- Since you've gone, you've completely forgotten your Papa! No calls, no messages, huh? Don't I worry about my grandson?? (Robert)

-- Good morning, Papa. (Zayn)

-- What's wrong? Why does your voice sound like that? Are you okay? Tell me the truth, Zayn! (Robert)