Beneath The Orange Sunset ✔️

2

~2~

Maxime was reserved and quiet the rest of the morning after he had breakfast. Given everything that has happened, it didn't take much to notice that this is one of the most extreme moments of his life, and right now he was at his weakest point.

The young heir was only trying to be a man and bear the suffering but he wished to heavens he was never part of this whole situation. He wanted to wake up and tell someone it's all been a dream.

He was already making improvements. After the coma left him partially paralyzed, Ms Philippe worked on Maxime with her magic fingers. With her dedication and constant therapy, life was restored to his limbs. She practically turned his hopeless situation around.

    'Thank the heavens,' she always said, 'in no time Maxime...'

His mother never relented. She was willing to pay heavily for any new treatment or drugs that would restore her dear son's health. He'd tasted different drugs till his organs became weak and irritated. He had suffered from adverse reactions and medication overdose.

Eighty percent of his body had been rejuvenated, except his eyes. The white soft bandage securely tied round his head covering his eyes, reminded him of the everlasting darkness.

Maxime laid quietly in bed, his face turned to the windows. The serenity in the room was loud and clear. He practically heard every sound silence never made. He let his senses wander. What would the morning lights look like? White, yellow, blue...

The door opened without much of a knock and madame Emile stepped inside with a younger woman who was wearing her purple nursing tunics, her sandy hair neatly combed away from her face. She had a health badge pinned on her breast pocket, her name boldly written on it which signified her position as a qualified health care professional. In her hands was a black medical kit.

Maxime would have seen all this and more if only he could open his eyes.

    "Son, we found a replacement nurse for you," Emile said walking towards to the bed. She eyed him closely. "Are you sleeping?"

Maxime twitched and rolled up in bed.

    "Meet Marilyn. She's right here," Emile said. Her face lined with doubts. A fair introduction is proper even if her son was handicapped.

The nurse stepped closer, a smile dancing on her lips. It was unfortunate the young man couldn't see it.

    "Hello mister Lacroix. I will be your new nurse."

Emile rubbed her palms together satisfied with Marilyn's introduction.

Emile nodded in agreement. "She is the best, son. You have nothing to worry about. What do you think?"

Maxime tilted his head to the direction of the strident voice, somewhat dissatisfied.
His nose flared. "I don't want this."

    "Yes, you do. Maxime. You are going to get well, get out of bed and get back to work," Emile pointed out. Though it sounded easier said than done. "You can't do that alone."

    "Mom, I said I can't," Maxime gritted his teeth.

    "You can," Emile placed her jewelled hands on her son's back. "You have already come this far, what is the problem? You just want to stay this way?"

    "Let me help you, Maxime," Marilyn interrupted. She dropped her case on the floor and moved towards the bed.

    "Don't touch me," Maxime waved his hands sternly at no one in particular. "Nobody touch me, please."

Marilyn stopped in her tracks. "I'm sorry if you feel this way but I think I'm trying to be of help here."

    "I don't need your help," Maxime retorted. "Tell her mom, I don't need anybody's help!"

He laid back on the bed and faced the opposite direction.

Emile touched her forehead slightly. She felt stressed out already. She turned to the lady beside her.

    "I'm sorry. He probably hasn't gotten over Ms Philippe, yet. Maybe we can reschedule another time. I'm sorry for the inconvenience today."

    "It's fine, ma'am," Marilyn replied sharply.

She picked her medical kit once more and trotted out of the room.

Emile took one glance at her distraught son before shutting the door behind her.