Discharged
1077 Words
Cooper
The doctor went through Holly's reports one last time before handing them over to me, carefully reminding us of every medication she would need over the next few days. He reassured us that she had responded well to treatment, but her stomach remained delicate and she would need proper meals, enough rest and close observation if we wanted to avoid another episode.
I listened without interrupting, committing every instruction to memory before signing the discharge papers. Once everything was settled, I slipped the documents into the folder and walked back into the ward where Holly was sitting up on the bed, swinging her tiny legs while the nurse removed the last tape from her hand.
"Does it still hurt?" I asked, crouching in front of her.
She shook her head before stretching both arms towards me, silently asking to be carried. I lifted her effortlessly, careful not to squeeze her too tightly, and she rested her head against my shoulder with a sleepy sigh.
"I'm tired, Daddy."
"I know."
"We're going home now."
A small smile spread across her face before she closed her eyes again, completely trusting that I would get her home safely.
As I stepped out of the ward carrying Holly, my eyes immediately landed on the three people waiting in the corridor.
Aurelia.
Ingrid.
Richard.
The couple stood side by side, speaking in low voices before falling silent the moment they noticed me approaching. Richard's hand remained loosely wrapped around Ingrid's fingers, while Aurelia stood a little apart from them with both hands clasped nervously in front of her.
Before anyone could say anything, Holly slowly opened her eyes.
"Miss Ingrid..."
Her weak voice instantly drew everyone's attention.
Ingrid stepped forward almost immediately.
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"Thank you..."
Her tiny hand reached towards Ingrid's face.
"...for making my food."
A soft smile appeared on Ingrid's lips as she gently held Holly's little fingers.
"You don't have to thank me."
"But Daddy said I should always say thank you."
The innocence in Holly's words earned a quiet chuckle from Richard.
"Your daddy taught you well."
Holly nodded proudly before leaning forward to wrap one arm around Ingrid's neck.
The hug lasted only a few seconds, yet something about it made my chest tighten unexpectedly.
Children rarely pretended.
If Holly had accepted Ingrid this quickly...
Perhaps there was more to her than I had allowed myself to believe.
When Holly settled back against my shoulder, Ingrid smiled one last time before stepping away.
"I'm glad you're feeling better."
"So am I," Holly mumbled sleepily.
Richard looked down at his wife.
"Ready?"
She nodded.
Just as they were about to leave, he frowned slightly before kneeling in front of her.
"Your shoe."
I lowered my gaze instinctively.
The strap of Ingrid's heel had come loose without her noticing. Richard carefully fastened it, making sure it wasn't hurting her ankle before standing back up.
"There."
"You always notice everything."
He smiled.
"That's my job."
"And yours?"
He looked directly into her eyes.
"To let me."
Their fingers intertwined naturally afterwards, his thumb absentmindedly rubbing over the wedding ring resting on hers.
For reasons I couldn't explain...
I found myself staring.
Perhaps because there wasn't a hint of pretence between them.
Perhaps because they looked... comfortable.
My thoughts were interrupted by Ingrid's voice.
"Goodnight, sir."
I lifted my eyes to hers.
"We leave tomorrow morning."
"Yes, sir."
"The convoy moves at exactly seven."
"I'll be there."
Richard inclined his head politely.
"Goodnight, Mr. Cooper."
Without replying further, I walked towards the hospital exit.
The driver hurried forward the moment he saw me, opening the rear door before stepping aside. I carefully laid Holly across the back seat, supporting her head with one of the cushions before fastening the seat belt securely around her.
She didn't stir once.
Only after making sure she was comfortable did I straighten.
The opposite rear door opened.
Aurelia was about to get in beside Holly when I stopped her.
"Sit in front."
She paused.
"But..."
"Holly needs space."
The disappointment on her face lasted only a second before she quietly closed the rear door.
"Okay."
She walked around the vehicle and settled into the passenger seat without another word.
I got into the back beside Holly.
The car pulled away from the hospital.
Silence filled the cabin, broken only by the steady hum of the engine and Holly's soft breathing.
My gaze lifted to the rear-view mirror.
Aurelia noticed almost immediately.
"You'll inspect every meal Holly eats from now on."
She nodded slowly.
"I will."
"No one feeds her anything unless you know exactly what it contains."
"I understand."
"What happened today..."
I paused briefly.
"...was negligence."
She lowered her head.
"I'm sorry."
"I trusted everyone else to look after her."
"That was my mistake."
I watched her reflection carefully.
"For years I kept convincing myself that as long as Holly was surrounded by people, she would be safe."
A tear rolled down her cheek.
"I forgot that I'm her mother before anything else."
The apology sounded sincere.
Not rehearsed.
Not defensive.
Just... sincere.
"Being a mother isn't something you delegate."
My words hung inside the car.
"It isn't a responsibility you hand over to cooks, nannies or maids because you're busy."
She nodded repeatedly, tears falling freely now.
"I know."
"I'll learn."
"I'll learn to cook."
"I'll inspect every meal."
"I'll do better."
I looked away from the mirror towards the sleeping child beside me.
"I hope so."
Another stretch of silence followed before I spoke again.
"If today's negligence ever repeats itself..."
I didn't raise my voice.
"...then we'll have to reconsider this marriage."
The words seemed to knock the remaining strength out of her.
She covered her mouth briefly before whispering,
"I understand."
The rest of the drive passed in complete silence.
By the time we reached the mansion, several maids had already gathered outside after hearing the car pull into the driveway.
One hurried forward.
"Young Master, let me carry Miss Holly upstairs."
I shook my head.
"I'll do it."
Carefully lifting Holly back into my arms, I walked towards the staircase while she instinctively curled closer against my chest.
The maids silently stepped aside.
Behind me, I heard one of them whisper softly,
"Young Master really treasures Miss Holly."
Another smiled.
"He always has."
"He just never had the time to show it."
I didn't acknowledge either of them.
Keeping Holly close against me...
I simply continued upstairs.
- Writer
