Just then, Cole spoke up, “Cami, you just head back and rest easy. I'll stay here and keep an eye on things.”
He turned slightly, whispering to Camila, “You've got to give me a chance to show off a bit.
Camila paused, then nodded in understanding. “Alright, I really appreciate it, Cole. Knowing you're with Mom puts my mind at ease.”
Claire overheard their conversation and frowned slightly, saying, “Cole, you should head back too. I’m okay here.
Cole shook his head with a smile. "Claire, stop trying to send me away. Business at the shop has been slow lately anyway, so I might as well stay
here with you and take a break.”
Claire no longer insisted, just sighed softly, “Alright then. Stay if you must.”
Cole gave Camila a triumphant smile.
“Thank you, Cole. Call me if you need anything.”
“No problem.” Cole responded.
Camila adjusted the blanket over her mother, placed a glass of water by the bed, and after confirming with the doctor that her mother’s condition was
stable, she finally left the hospital with peace of mind
As she stepped out of the hospital, the sight in front of her made her pause. That familiar figure was standing quietly at the hospital entrance.
Somewhat surprised, Camila walked up to him. “Why are you here?”
Connor's face broke into a gentle smile. "I was worried about you. How's your mom doing?’
“The doctor said her condition is stable now. She should be able to leave the hospital in a few days,” Camila replied.
Connor nodded. “That's good to hear.”
Camila lowered her gaze, with guilt
swirling insidé:her. Choking up, she
said, “I was‘sd caught up with .
Drew's igsues recently. Mom has 3S
been coughing then, but I didn’tthink
too much of it. If only I had takén her
to thé doctor sooner, it wouldn't
have led to such a severe
pneumonia.”
NS
Compassion welled up in Connor.
He gentlypatted her shoulder, <>
soothingly saying, “You can't blame
yourself. Getting sick is .
unpredictable, so don't be tao hard