Page 8 of Lennox

A rush of emotions hits me—gratitude foremost among them. I meet Lennox's gaze. "Thank you," I manage to say, my voice quivering with the weight of those simple words.

"It's what I do," he responds, intense and sincere, his dark green eyes meeting mine.

The moment is broken by my mother's soft, playful voice. "Well, now that you two have had your moment," she teases, drawing our attention back to her, "maybe someone can get me some of that green Jell-O? Lennox swears it’s not as bad as I think."

Lennox feigns shock. "Hey! That green Jell-O is top tier."

Taking a deep breath, I shake my head. "I'll see what I can do."

Stepping out of the room, I lean against the cool, off-white wall, trying to process everything. The rhythmic buzz of fluorescent lights and the distant sound of soft footsteps attempt to soothe my racing heart. I close my eyes, taking a deep, grounding breath, letting the smell of sterilized linens fill my senses.

A gentle hand on my shoulder rouses me. I open my eyes to see Nurse Nora, her salt-and-pepper hair neatly tied in a bun and her ever-present half-moon glasses perched on her nose. "Hey there, Charlie," she says softly, her deep-set eyes reflecting understanding.

"Nora," I respond, my voice shaky, "what exactly happened?"

Nora gestures for me to follow her down the hallway to a quieter corner. "Your mom had a small episode. Her blood pressure dropped, which caused her to faint. But the good news is she's stable now."

I swallow hard, trying to keep my emotions in check. "And Lennox? How did he...?"

Nora smiles, a warm, comforting grin that has seen countless patients and families through their toughest times. "He was taking a walk. He’s doing everything he can to get discharged soon. Saw your mom and didn’t hesitate for a second. He might be here for his own recovery, but that man’s a hero at heart."

I feel a smile tug at the corners of my lips. "I've noticed."

Nora chuckles, patting my back reassuringly. "Your mom's lucky he was there. And speaking of, weren’t you fetching her some of our world-famous Jell-O?"

Laughing, I nod. "I'll get right on that." I retrieve a cup of the green dessert from a nearby cart and return to my mom's room.

Handing her the Jell-O, she grins appreciatively. "There's my treat. Thanks, sweetheart."

As my mother starts on her Jell-O, I turn to Lennox. "Hey, how about a walk to the cafe? I'd like to buy you a coffee, at the very least. A thank you for tonight."

Lennox raises an eyebrow, a smirk forming on his lips. "Well, when you put it that way, how can I refuse?"

The hospital's corridors are hushed, save for the distant hum of machines and our echoing footsteps. Overhead, the dim lighting casts our shadows long and faintly shimmering on the polished floor. It gives the usually bustling Haven Falls Hospital a kind of peaceful solemnity.

"I've noticed you've been moving better," I say, glancing at him as we walk side by side.

He gives a half-smile, wry but genuine. "Thanks to you," he admits, his deep voice holding a rare hint of softness. "For not letting me give up, even when I was... well, more bear than man."

I chuckle. "I've dealt with grumpier bears."

Lennox snorts, running a hand through his dark red hair. "Hard to believe.”

We reach the cafe, pulling out chairs across from one another. A tired-looking barista pours us two coffees, leaving us in solitude once more. Lennox's fingers play with the rim of his cup, lost in thought. The overhead lights cast shadows on his defined cheekbones and jawline, making him look even more ruggedly handsome than usual. The slightly overgrown stubble that he's been sporting since his hospital stay adds an edge to his appearance.

"I wasn't always this... surly," he finally says, his voice laced with a hint of humor. "Being here, in this hospital, depending on others... it's hard. I feel stripped of the identity I worked so hard to build."

The earnestness in his confession has me leaning in, my heart beating just a tad faster. "Lennox," I start, my voice softer, "I can't pretend to understand how you feel entirely, but I've seen glimpses of your strength. You're more than just your heroics at sea. The way you helped my mother tonight? That was just as heroic."

His gaze lifts. Those green eyes hold mine, and for a brief moment, everything else fades away.

"I've been so consumed with my mother's health," I admit, the weight of my fears making my voice tremble. "Every phone call from the hospital, every sudden decline—it terrifies me. Balancing my work and her care sometimes feels like I'm walking on a tightrope, waiting for the rope to snap."

Lennox watches me intently, his gaze unwavering. "Your optimism is admirable, Charlene. But you don't always have to be the sunshine. It's okay to let yourself feel."

I bite my lip, surprised at the moisture in my eyes. "It's hard," I whisper. "But I also fear what's going to happen if she... if I lose her."

He reaches across the table, his hand tentatively touching mine. The unexpected touch sends a jolt up my arm. His hand is warm, strong, and gentle, much like the man.

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