Help me, won`t you?

Chapter 11: A Breath of Fresh Air

For days, I obsessively analyzed Igor’s test results. The fact that sensitivity was returning to his legs was a victory, but the lack of actual motor progress was haunting me. I won’t lie—it terrified me. I wanted his recovery more than anything in the world, not just as his doctor, but as the woman who loved him.

Whenever I was on night duty, I stayed in his room. There was no point in hiding our relationship anymore; the hospital gossip mill had already pinned us together. Still, I worried about the reaction from the Chief of Medicine and the board. Professional ethics were a thin line to walk.

Today, I was finishing my shift, and I had two days off ahead of me. A brilliant idea took root in my mind: I wanted to take Igor to my country house. It was spring, the air was warm and sweet, and I knew a few days away from the antiseptic smell of the hospital would do him wonders.

I walked down the hallway, practicing how to pitch the idea to him. I stopped at his door, hesitating. Was I really thirty-five and still needing a mental shove to ask a man to spend the weekend with me? I took a deep breath and walked in. Igor was sitting by the window, a book in his lap.

"I thought you’d be here sooner. Was it a busy shift?" he asked, setting the book aside.

"A little," I said, my heart fluttering. "I have two days off, starting now, and I was thinking... maybe..."

"Lena, what is it? You look like you're about to deliver bad news."

"Would you want to spend the weekend at my dacha? My country house? I’m not insisting, but the fresh air would be good for you. And for us." I spoke quickly, twisting my fingers together.

A flash of pure joy lit up his eyes. "I’d love to, Lena. But will they let a patient like me just walk—or roll—out of here for two days?"

"Do you really want to go?"

"Are you kidding? I was terrified of dying of boredom here while knowing you were at home without me."

"Then... I’ll go talk to the Chief. I’ll take full responsibility for you."

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"No," I smiled. "Let me handle Oleg. I’ll be back."

I knocked on Oleg Sergeyevich’s door and heard a weary "Come in." He looked as exhausted as I felt.

"Elena? I thought you’d be halfway home by now."

"Oleg, I need to talk to you. Not as your subordinate, but as a friend."

He rubbed his face and sighed. "I assume this is about your patient? I already know about the relationship, Lena. The nurses aren't exactly quiet."

"Are you angry?"

"At first, maybe. I’ve tried to get your attention for years, but I guess it wasn't meant to be. Don't worry, I’ll cover for you. I won't let this mess with your career."

"Thank you, Oleg. Truly."

"But that’s not why you’re here, is it?" He chuckled softly. "It’s written all over your face."

"I’m going to the dacha for my days off. I want to take Igor with me. He’s going stir-crazy in these four walls."

"I see. Especially on those nights when you’re on duty," he teased, making me blush. "Fine. Take him. But he has to be back by Monday morning. Oh, and your colleagues from the German seminar called—they want an update on his case. Tell them you'll reach out next week."

I thanked him again and practically ran back to Igor’s ward. I opened the door and stopped dead. Igor was already dressed, a packed bag sitting on the chair next to him.

"Well, you’re fast," I laughed. "Let's hit the grocery store and then get out of town."

"I knew you’d convince them," he grinned. "Are you driving?"

"Yes. I’m in my car today. Just... don't be too shocked, okay?"

We made our way to the parking lot. Most people expect a woman like me to drive something small and delicate. But I’ve always preferred power. My "baby" was waiting for us: a massive, black Toyota Land Cruiser. I rolled Igor to the back, tossed his bag in the trunk, and turned to see him stifling a laugh.

"What? No 'this isn't a girl's car' speech?"

"I just can't imagine you behind the wheel of this beast. How do you even reach the pedals?"

"You'll see," I winked. I helped him transfer into the high passenger seat. He was strong; he hauled his body up with impressive ease, his muscles rippling under his shirt. I strapped him in and folded the wheelchair into the back.

As I started the engine, the familiar roar of the V8 filled the air. "I'll run into the store alone so we don't have to navigate the aisles with the chair. Anything special you want?"

"I'm easy to please," he said, watching me with a smile. "I'm yours to please."

I pulled into the supermarket lot, parked close to the entrance, and before I got out, I leaned over and kissed him deeply.

"Don't worry, no one's going to steal me," he teased. "Who would want a guy like me?"

"I want you," I whispered against his neck, inhaling the scent of him.

I hurried through the store, grabbing steaks, fresh vegetables, fruit, and snacks. I even grabbed some men’s shower gel—I didn't want him smelling like my floral soaps all weekend.

Forty minutes later, we were on the open road. The silence between us was comfortable, the kind that only comes when two people truly fit together. I glanced at him, feeling a wave of certainty. I didn't need a massive wedding or a fancy life. I just needed this man.

"What are you thinking about?" Igor asked.

"About how good this feels. And how I’d love for this to become... permanent."

"Don't laugh," he said, reaching out to squeeze my thigh, "but I was thinking the same thing. I meant what I said before, Lena. Marry me. I’m not joking."

The floor seemed to drop out from under me again. I decided we would settle this once and for all this weekend.

"Are you hungry?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Honestly? I’d kill for some dumplings. Real ones. They don't serve those in the hospital."

"Done. Dumplings it is. And then, a long nap."

We pulled into the village and headed toward the house. It was my grandmother's old home, a beautiful two-story wooden structure with a modern interior. It was my sanctuary.

"Lena, has your brother been around lately?" Igor asked suddenly.

"No, why?"

"While you were in Germany, he came to the hospital looking for you. I overheard him talking to Oleg."

A pit formed in my stomach. Illya hadn't called me. I hoped he hadn't gambled himself into a new hole. "I'll deal with him later. For now, let’s just get inside."

I opened the gates and drove into the yard. My neighbor, Aunt Sveta, was already there, waving.

"Lena! Why didn't you call? I would have baked you some pies!" She stopped mid-sentence as she saw me unfolding the wheelchair. "Oh, Lena... is this your young man? Poor boy..."

"Aunt Sveta, please," I whispered. "No pity. He’s a strong man. This is Igor, my boyfriend."

"I see, I see," she said, quickly adjusting. "Pleasure to meet you, Igor. Do you need help getting up the steps?"

"We've got it, thank you," Igor said politely.

Within minutes, I had him inside. My bedroom was on the first floor, equipped with a large bed and an accessible bathroom.

"Wait in the living room for a second," I laughed. "I’m going to get the water boiling for those dumplings. That is the highest priority right now!"

We shared a laugh, the sound echoing through the warm, wooden house. For the first time in months, it felt like we were finally home.