Between our hands

Chapter 93: Embrace of Comfort

The doctor entered the room softly, his kind gaze lingering on Maëlle and Samy. They were still intertwined on the bed, sharing an intimate moment filled with tenderness. The elderly man couldn’t help but smile at this scene that radiated love and comfort. Seeing the intrusion, Maëlle slowly straightened up, taking care not to startle Samy, and stood beside the bed, attentive.

"You look much better," the doctor remarked in a reassuring voice, his eyes sparkling with warmth. He approached the bed, gently placing his hand on Samy’s shoulder. "How are you feeling?"

Samy, whose pain had eased with Maëlle's soothing presence, managed a weak smile. "Much better, thank you," he whispered, his voice still a little hoarse but steadier.

The doctor nodded in approval and began his examination, carefully checking the bandages that covered Samy’s wounds. Maëlle watched every movement, her eyes scanning for any sign of discomfort from Samy. The doctor adjusted the dressings with great care, his experienced fingers working in silence.

After a few minutes, he straightened up with a satisfied smile. "If all goes as expected, you should be able to move more in a few weeks. But for today, I’ve brought a wheelchair and some crutches. With a bit of support, you should be able to return to your suite."

Maëlle and Samy exchanged a look. She smiled gently, reassured by the doctor's words, while Samy nodded, although the idea of having to use a wheelchair to get around didn’t thrill him.

The doctor gave them one last kind smile before leaving the room, leaving them alone. Maëlle turned to Samy, her gaze full of tenderness and determination.

"Shall we go?" she asked, her voice soft but carrying a comforting energy.

Samy nodded, and Maëlle approached the wheelchair, gently pulling it toward the bed. With infinite patience, she helped him up, supporting his weight with surprising strength. Samy, though proud and often independent, let himself be guided by Maëlle this time, aware of his body’s fragility. Once seated in the wheelchair, he straightened, trying to regain some dignity despite the situation.

They left the hospital room, Maëlle carefully pushing the wheelchair, paying attention to every small detail, avoiding any jolt. The journey to their suite was silent but filled with a sense of togetherness. Maëlle occasionally glanced at Samy, her lips curving into a reassuring smile every time their eyes met.

When they finally crossed the threshold of their suite, a wave of familiarity and warmth enveloped them. Ely and Summer, their two beloved dogs, seemed to have waited for them eagerly. As soon as the door opened, the two animals rushed toward them, their tails wagging frantically.

Ely, with his usual enthusiasm, leapt straight onto Samy’s wheelchair, while Summer, calmer but just as excited, rubbed against Maëlle’s legs, emitting joyful whimpers. Maëlle burst out laughing, delighted to reunite with their faithful companions. Their boundless energy suddenly made the room feel more alive.

Samy, despite his pain, couldn’t help but smile as he absentmindedly petted Ely’s head, who had settled comfortably on his lap. "We missed them," he murmured, his voice soft and a little muffled by emotion.

"Yes, so much," Maëlle replied, bending down to scratch Summer's ear. She knew that the presence of their dogs, with their unconditional love, had a calming effect on Samy, and she rejoiced to see him so relaxed.

After spending a few moments cuddling their pets, Maëlle helped Samy transfer from the wheelchair to the couch. Each movement was slow, precise, and full of care. Samy grimaced slightly as he settled in, but once he was comfortably positioned, he sighed with relief.