Page 54 of Dr. Damaged Protector

I couldn't visit Olivia and her aunt as I promised to the previous night. I overslept and decided to do it the following day. I checked in on them, and her aunt was doing okay.

"Can I talk to your aunt in private?" I asked Olivia.

"Sure, is there any problem?" Olivia asked.

"Hey, don't ruin our romantic session," Aunt said.

"Fine, fine, whatever, I'll go do the dishes," Olivia said before leaving.

I waited a while to make sure she was out of earshot. Then I turned to Sarah. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm actually feeling better," she repeated the script.

"You don't have to hide it; I'm a doctor," I said. "I know when a patient is lying."

Her shoulders dropped, a sad smile on her face. "Guess there's no hiding it from a professional."

"What seems to be the problem?" I asked.

"Promise not to tell her?" she asked.

"Doctors are sworn to secrecy," I assured her.

"The doctor is worried that I might develop pulmonary hypertension," she explained.

So, it was actually serious.

"Don't look so worried," she said. "As long as it hasn't developed yet, there's still a chance to save me."

"Why don't you tell her?" I asked.

"You see that she left Richmond to come back to Chicago, even after she said she wasn't going to, just for my sake," she responded. "I just want her to be here temporarily and let her go back as soon as possible."

"Wait, why doesn't she want to come back to Chicago?" I asked.

"Oh uh…You might have to ask her that yourself," she chuckled nervously. "Nevertheless, I'll be fine. I'm sure of it."

"Well, if the doctor was able to tell the disease before it's fully formed, I have no problems leaving you in his hands," I said, resigned. "I won't to tell Olivia either, unless absolutely necessary."

"Thank you," she said softly.

So, my hunch was correct. Her aunt wants to be okay.

****

We had been in Chicago for two days. I wanted to spend some time with Olivia. However, she always seemed to turn it down.

"What about that bar we met?" I asked. "We could grab a couple of black velvets and reminisce."

"Or find something to do around here," she suggested.

"Okay? Like what?" I asked. "Window shopping? We can actually try that."

"I don't think there are any good stores around here to do a proper window shopping," she responded.

"So, where do we go?"

"We could just stay at home?" she suggested. "Sarah is still weak, and I need to watch over her."

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