Twilight of Shadows | LingOrm (GxG)

THIRTY ONE

As the sun began to set, casting a warm, golden glow through the windows of the hospital room, Dr. Vann entered quietly, her presence immediately drawing Lada's attention.

Dr. Vann approached the bedside with a calm smile. Her eyes, full of warmth and professionalism, met Lada's. She instinctively straightened up, a glimmer of hope mingling with her ever-present anxiety.

"Khun Fahlada," Dr. Vann began, her voice soft but clear, not wanting to disturb the slumbering pair. "I have good news."

Lada's heart skipped a beat. She had been bracing herself for a longer stay, fearing complications, but the calm assurance in Dr. Vann's tone eased some of her tension. "Good news?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid that speaking too loudly might shatter the fragile peace in the room.

Dr. Vann nodded, glancing briefly at Earn, who was now stirring slightly from her sleep. "Yes," she confirmed. "Khun Earn has made excellent progress. The surgery was successful, and there have been no signs of complications. Her wounds are healing well, and her vitals are stable. I believe she's ready to be discharged."

Lada felt a wave of relief wash over her, the weight of uncertainty lifting ever so slightly from her chest. "Thank you, doctor," she said, her voice thick with gratitude.

Earn slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the soft light filtering through the room. Her gaze drifted towards Dr. Vann, and though she was still tired, there was a newfound clarity in her eyes.

But instead of relief, her expression grew tense. The news that she could go home didn't bring her the comfort it should have. Instead, an unease settled in her chest, particularly as her eyes landed on Lada.

"Home?" Earn whispered.

Dr. Vann smiled warmly at her. "Yes, Khun Earn. You're ready to go home. But you will need to take it easy. No strenuous activity for a while. You'll also need to follow the care instructions closely to ensure proper healing."

Lada stepped closer to the bed, offering a small, hopeful smile. "The nurse showed me how to dress your wound, Earn. Don't worry, I'll take care of you."

But Earn's eyes narrowed slightly, her expression far from reassured. A quiet frustration flickered beneath her tired gaze. Why does Lada have to do it? she thought. The weight of their strained relationship was making her feel trapped and not cared for.

Why did she feel this resistance? The idea of leaving the hospital should have made her feel free, but the thought of being dependent on Lada for her wound care weighed on her.

Earn turned her attention back to Dr. Vann, her voice more firm this time, though still soft. "Dr. Vann," she began, choosing her words carefully, "is it... is it okay if I come to the hospital to get my dressing changed? Instead of doing it at home?"

Lada froze, taken aback by Earn's request. She hadn't expected this. A small pang of hurt crossed her face, but she quickly masked it, waiting for the doctor's response.

Dr. Vann, sensing the tension in the room, paused thoughtfully. She glanced between the two women before answering, her tone measured and understanding. "Urmmm, well that is possible, Khun Earn," she said carefully. "You could come in for dressing changes if you prefer. We have outpatient services for that, and it would allow us to monitor the healing more closely."

Earn felt a wave of relief wash over her. The idea of having professionals handle her wound care rather than Lada made her feel more in control. "Yes," she said softly, but with determination. "I think I'd feel more comfortable doing that."

Lada, though outwardly composed, couldn't help the slight tightness in her chest. She had been prepared to take care of Earn, to help her heal, but now it seemed Earn wanted to keep her at arm's length. She couldn't help but wonder if this was just about the wound care or if it was a reflection of the deeper rift between them.