The next morning, Beta Gilbert and Bernard arrived at the hospital very early, heading straight to the doctor’s office with bright smiles on their faces.
"Good morning, doctor!" Beta Gilbert greeted warmly as they entered.
"Good morning to you, sir. Please, have a seat," the doctor welcomed them with an equally cheerful expression.
Both men sat down, eager to hear what the doctor had to say.
"Doctor, you called us this morning and said there was no problem. I hope Maria is doing well?" Bernard asked, curiosity and concern written all over his face.
The doctor smiled. "Maria is doing very well. Since she woke up, her recovery has been remarkable. If all goes well, she can be discharged either today or first thing tomorrow. But we still need to hear from her directly—to know if she feels ready to go home."
Beta Gilbert’s face lit up. "That’s wonderful news. But you’re right—we need to ask Maria how she feels about going home. Can we go see her now?"
"Of course, let’s go together," the doctor said, rising from his seat as they all walked to Maria’s room.
When they entered, Maria was surprised to see Bernard and Beta Gilbert so early. She couldn’t hide her shock—it showed all over her face.
"Good morning, Maria. How are you feeling today?" the doctor asked with a lively smile.
"Good morning, doctor. I’m feeling very well and strong today," Maria replied with a wide smile, genuinely pleased to see them.
She turned to greet Beta Gilbert and Bernard, exchanging pleasantries before the doctor got straight to the point.
noveldrama "Maria, I must commend you on your excellent response to all the treatments. That’s why we believe you’re now fit to go home—either today or tomorrow. But we’d like to hear from you. Do you feel ready to leave the hospital?" the doctor asked kindly.
Maria’s heart soared at the news. She had been eager to leave, and now the opportunity had come.
"I really appreciate you and everyone who has taken care of me. I feel strong, and I believe I’m ready to go home today," Maria said sincerely, her eyes meeting each of theirs.
Beta Gilbert and Bernard’s faces immediately brightened with joy. Their warmth toward her had been consistent since she woke up, but now it puzzled her even more.
’What’s really going on with Bernard and his dad? Is this genuine or just another act?’ Maria wondered silently, maintaining her sweet smile to avoid raising any suspicion.
"That’s wonderful! I’ll start preparing your medications and finalize your discharge paperwork right away. I’ll be back soon," the doctor said as he left the room.
Left alone with Bernard and Beta Gilbert, the conversation shifted to light topics until Maria decided to ask something.
"So, how’s college been so far?" she asked Bernard, her gaze steady.
"College?" Bernard blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Honestly, I haven’t been myself since you went into a coma. I’ve barely paid attention to anything going on there."
Maria chuckled softly at his reaction.
Fifteen minutes later, the doctor returned with the discharge papers and handed a prescription list to Beta Gilbert.
"Please get these medicines from our pharmacy outside the hospital. Maria will need to continue them for the next week," the doctor explained.
He then turned to Maria with a warm smile. "Maria, please don’t hide anything from your family again. If anything unusual comes up, contact us immediately."
"Thank you so much, doctor. We’ll be leaving now," Beta Gilbert said, shaking the doctor’s hand as Bernard gently helped Maria to her feet, supporting her with his hand on her back.
Maria smiled faintly as she prepared to leave, her mind already focused on the mission ahead and the secrets she had to uncover...