𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝟏𝟖 +

𝐒 𝐈 𝐗 𝐓 𝐘 - 𝐓 𝐇 𝐑 𝐄 𝐄

Eden

I couldn't believe the day had finally arrived. After nearly two weeks in the hospital, I was finally going home. The sterile walls of the room I'd been confined to were starting to make me feel claustrophobic, and the sight of hospital food had become a constant reminder of how much I missed real food. More specifically, a cheese whopper. I'd been dreaming about that damn burger for days.

As Lenore helped me pack up the few things I had accumulated during my stay—mostly books, cards from Brielle, and some cozy clothes she'd brought me, I found myself bouncing with anticipation. Well, as much as I could bounce without aggravating the stitches in my lower abdomen. Every movement reminded me to take it slow, but that didn't stop me from feeling like a kid on Christmas morning.

I was going home.

Dr. Meyers had stopped by just before we left to go over a few final things. "Eden, I have some good news. Based on the surgery and the follow-up tests, it looks like we've removed all of the cancerous tissue. The chance of it coming back is about five percent, which is very low."

Five percent. I let the number sink in, feeling a massive weight lift off my shoulders. Lenore, who had been sitting next to me, let out a breath she'd been holding, squeezing my hand tightly. It was a relief, not just for me but for both of us. I glanced at her, seeing the same mix of emotions swirling in her eyes, relief, exhaustion, and hope.

"Thank you, Dr. Meyers," I said sincerely. Those two weeks had been a blur of tests, worry, and sleepless nights, but in the end, it was the news I had hoped for.

Dr. Meyers smiled warmly at us. "You'll still need to come in for regular checkups, and of course, take care of those stitches. But otherwise, go home, rest, and enjoy being cancer-free."

Cancer-free. I liked the sound of that.

Lenore stood up and helped me carefully rise from the hospital bed. The dull ache in my abdomen was a reminder to take it slow. I felt the tug of the stitches and winced slightly, but the discomfort was nothing compared to the sense of freedom I felt knowing I was finally getting out of here.

With Lenore's arm gently around me for support, we made our way down the hospital hallway. "How are you feeling?" she asked, her voice soft and full of concern.

"Like I'm about to bust out of prison," I joked, though there was some truth to it. I was more than ready to escape the hospital food, the constant beeping of machines, and the uncomfortable bed. "But mostly, I'm thinking about that cheese whopper."

Lenore raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Of course you are."

"Hey, don't judge me. You didn't have to endure the torture of hospital food for two weeks. The only thing worse than cancer is soggy green beans and mystery meat." I shuddered dramatically, earning a laugh from her.

As we made our way outside and Lenore helped me into the car, I couldn't help but sigh in relief. I leaned back against the seat, careful of my stitches, and closed my eyes for a moment, feeling the fresh air on my face. The world outside the hospital seemed brighter, clearer, like I was seeing everything in high definition for the first time in weeks.

"Burger King, right?" Lenore asked as she started the engine, already knowing the answer.

"You read my mind," I said, my eyes still closed but a grin spreading across my face.

The drive to Burger King wasn't long, but every second felt like an eternity. My stomach was practically growling in anticipation, and I couldn't stop thinking about sinking my teeth into a cheesy, greasy whopper. I kept shifting in my seat, trying to get comfortable without pulling on the stitches, but the excitement was making me fidgety.

"Calm down, it's just a burger," Lenore teased, glancing at me with an amused smile.

"It's not just a burger. It's freedom. It's everything I've dreamed about since I was stuck in that hospital bed." I was half-joking, but in all honesty, the thought of normalcy, something as simple as a fast-food burger, was a small victory after everything I'd been through.

When we finally pulled up to the Burger King drive-thru, I could hardly contain myself. Lenore leaned over, placing the order for me. "One cheese whopper, large fries, and a strawberry milkshake," she said, giving me a knowing smile.

My mouth was watering just hearing the words. "Oh my God, I can't wait," I mumbled, more to myself than to her.

"You're ridiculous," she laughed, shaking her head, but I could see the relief in her eyes. I knew she was happy to see me excited about something, even if it was just a burger.

When they handed us the bag of food, the smell hit me like a truck. I practically groaned in appreciation. "Heaven in a bag," I declared as I took it from her.

"Don't inhale it all at once," Lenore warned as she pulled out of the drive-thru, heading toward home.

I took a cautious bite, mindful of my stitches, but the moment that cheesy, greasy goodness hit my taste buds, I was in pure bliss. "Mmm, you have no idea how good this is right now," I said, my mouth full.

Lenore just shook her head, amused. "I think I have some idea."

The rest of the ride home was a mix of me devouring my burger and Lenore giving me side-eye every time I moaned in appreciation. But I didn't care. I was finally out of the hospital, I had my cheese whopper, and life, for the moment, felt good.

As we pulled up to the penthouse, Lenore parked the car and turned to me, her expression softening. "I'm really glad you're okay, Eden. I know it hasn't been easy... but we made it through."

I looked at her, feeling a swell of gratitude. "We did. Thanks to you." I reached over, squeezing her hand. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Lenore."

"You won't ever have to find out," she said, her voice warm and steady.

With a deep breath and a full heart, I climbed out of the car, careful not to jostle my stitches. I was home.

————————————————————————————————————

~ R