𝙱𝙻𝙰𝙲𝙺 𝙼𝙸𝚁𝚁𝙾𝚁 || Original Story

3 - help

It had been a long week since my visit to Whitemarsh. On the brighter side, I had finally settled into my new home and into the routine of work. It brought a smile to my face when patients said how nice it was to have me. One even said I was better than 'boring old' Albert. I wish I could agree, but (and despite his own words) Albert was a much better doctor than I was. And that wasn't just because of experience. He was a practical man who knew the ins and outs of every medical book on his bookshelf. And that was a lot of books. 'Boring old' Albert was somebody who I could learn a great deal off.

The next Sunday came by and I was glad of the day of rest. I planned to spend the day strolling around the town, seeing what shops were there and speak to new people. I visited the butchers, the post office, the park, and was on my way to the grocers when I spotted Maddilyn over the road. She had a paper bag stuffed with groceries tucked under her arm whilst struggling to pick up a basket from the floor. I could see that she was in discomfort from the harsh frown on her usually soft features.

I hurriedly crossed the road and inwardly laughed when I heard her muttering curse words under her breath. 

"Here, let me help you with that," I said as I bent down to pick up the basket with ease.

She turned to me, startled. "Oh, Doctor Hillenbrand. You needn't do that-"

"It's okay," I smiled. "You shouldn't be overdoing it anyway. You don't want to put too much strain on yourself or the baby."

"This little one is going to be stronger than me anyway," she laughed, her free hand resting on the curve of her swollen stomach. "I can tell already. She's going to outlive me for certain!"

"She?" I asked inquisitively. "You're that sure?"

"I'm that sure. Don't tell Thomas. He'll go mad."

"Albert says that he wants a son."

"Like all men. He only wants a boy because he lives in a large house with three women; all of whom could kill him with feistiness if we tried."

I laughed at her remark, knowing that she wasn't exaggerating. I only knew after my brief meeting with Liesel last weekend. And with Florence and her deep gazes. Maddilyn, on the hand, surprised me a little. I couldn't imagine her in an angry state because she just radiated calm. Even with her baby's due date fast approaching.

"Speaking of your husband, I thought he didn't want you to be out on your own," I commented. "That's the impression I got."

Maddilyn rolled her eyes. "Indeed. Thomas wants a lot of things. I thought I'd have a wander around the shops whilst he's out... Lizzy insisted on coming with me, but I insisted she didn't. I told her I wouldn't be long anyway."

"What about Florence and Liesel?"

"Oh, they're busy with reorganising all the books in the library. That's a mammoth task, believe me."

I nodded, imagining the size of the library. The house was big, so I pictured the library as one large room with shelves all the way up to the ceiling that were crammed full of dusty, old texts with ageing pages and battered covers.

"How did you get down here anyway?" I asked after a moment of thought.

"I walked," she replied. "I thought that I might as well enjoy the sunshine whilst it's there."

"Well, we can't have you walking back. Come on, I'll drive you."

"Are you sure?" She said, her tone uncertain.

"Absolutely."

I took the paper bag from her arms and gestured for her to follow me. She walked jovially by my side, but the weary look in her eyes was evident. However, I was sure that the fresh air and exercise had done her good.