Dreams Can Come True

96. Discharged from the hospital

The next morning dawned with a mix of emotions. As the sun slowly rose, its rays filtering through the window of the hospital room, I felt a knot of both sadness and determination in my stomach. Bill had left early for the airport, his departure abrupt, leaving a gaping hole in my heart. The void he left behind felt immense and overwhelming.
It took considerable effort to get out of bed and face reality. I knew the farewell was necessary, but it still hurt. His warmth, his presence had given me a sense of security amidst the chaos of the past few days. Now, I was alone, surrounded by the clinical white of the hospital room and the silence, only interrupted by the sound of machines and the soft conversations of nurses outside.
After one last glance out the window, where I caught a glimpse of the city awakening under the morning sun, I decided to get ready to leave the hospital. It felt like liberation, and I couldn't wait to get back to work. The doctor had given me permission to leave after a final health check, during which she had once again warned me about the dangers of drugs. Her words still echoed in my mind as I gathered my belongings and prepared to start the day.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I made my way out of the room. The hallway was bustling with activity, and I nodded politely at the familiar faces of the nurses who had taken care of me. Each step felt like a step towards regaining my life, towards reclaiming a sense of normalcy

Jacob stood patiently in the hallway, his usual stoic demeanor a reassuring presence amidst the hustle and bustle of the hospital corridors. His presence reminded me that I was not alone, that I had people who cared about me and looked after me, even in the most challenging times. He greeted me with a nod and an encouraging smile, and I felt grateful for his support.
Together, we walked outside, the fresh morning air welcoming us like a breath of fresh air after the sterile atmosphere of the hospital. I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with the scent of flowers and freshly cut grass.
We soon found ourselves in a cozy bistro near the studio, where I treated Jacob to an omelet. He had initially resisted, but since he was stuck with me and had to follow me wherever I went, he eventually shrugged and agreed to come inside.
Jacob seemed uncomfortable at the table, as if he wasn't used to this kind of informal interaction. "It's meant for you to notice my presence as little as possible," he explained, his words laced with professionalism. I rolled my eyes and slid a plate towards him. "Oh, don't be so silly, Jacob," I protested with a laugh. "It's better to eat together than apart, right?" His mouth curved into a small smile, and I knew he understood my point.
I tried to lighten the mood by talking about everyday things, but there was still a hint of professional distance between us. However, I managed to bring a smile to Jacob's face when I teased him about his reluctant attitude. "Come on, Jacob," I said with a playful twinkle in my eyes. "You might as well enjoy my company while you're stuck with me." His smile was small but genuine, and I felt a touch of warmth fill the room.

When I walked into the studio after breakfast, I was greeted by a symphony of sounds and bustling activity that were so characteristic of this place. The walls echoed with the tuning of instruments, the soft hum of computers, and the muffled voices of people collaborating on various projects. It felt like coming home to a world where I was completely at ease, despite the recent events that had turned my life upside down.
Jacob stood beside me, his presence a reassuring anchor in this busy environment. He had promised to keep an eye on things while I navigated the hallways. His gaze was vigilant, and his posture professional.
As I walked further in, I was greeted by the rest of the crew. Bas was, of course, among them, his familiar smile welcoming me as if no time had passed. His arms enveloped me in a warm hug, and I felt an immediate sense of relief seeing him there. "Welcome back," he whispered, his voice filled with genuine happiness at seeing me again. Next to him stood Tilly, her eyes shimmering with a mix of joy and sorrow. Despite her attempt to smile, I couldn't ignore the subtle sadness in her gaze.

The tranquility of the group was abruptly disrupted by the arrival of Paul, who approached us with determined steps. He stormed towards us, his face set in a serious expression. "Elise, Bas, come with me now," he commanded with an urgency that startled me. My heart skipped a beat as I glanced at Bas, but he gave me a reassuring nod before we followed Paul to wherever he was leading us.
The hallways of the studio were a maze of sound and activity as we trailed behind Paul to his office. The walls were adorned with gold records and photos of memorable moments from the careers of other bands. When we entered Paul's office, the room felt oppressive, heavy with the gravity of the situation. Paul took a seat behind his desk and looked at us solemnly.