Moody moved closer with a small smile on his cheeks. He sat quietly after handing Lena the clearance receipt. Lena stared at it in shock.
"My God! How did you manage to pay all this? Why would you do this for me?" she asked, her hands trembling as she held the receipt.
"I… You know, a good heart and true intentions don't need validation," he replied calmly, his eyes never leaving hers. "It's what's inside that makes a person who they are. That's why I'm doing this—not because I want anything in return, but because it's the right thing to do."
"Hah! I didn't know you were this gentle and kind-hearted after all these years. I'm grateful, Father," she said, still avoiding Moody's stare.
"Indeed, kiddo. Such a soul is rare nowadays. And you said your name was…?" Mr. Luke asked, squinting as if Moody might be lying about it.
"Oh! I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Moody Whiskey. 'Moo' suits though," he joked, shrugging proudly.
"Yeah, and I'm happy too," Mr. Luke added. "You've done so much for my daughter. I don't even know how I'll repay you."
"It's fine, sir. I don't need anything. Lena and I have been friends for a long time—it's just that she didn't get time to introduce me to you. Guess she was shy," Moody teased.
"What the hell, Moody? That's not the reason! You know my mom." Infact you even know how strictly she is.'
"Oh, I admit that. But there's nothing wrong with me knowing your dad too, right Mr. Sir?" he pouted dramatically.
"Hey, pumpkin head," Lena warned, "if you don't shut your mouth, I'm gonna—"
"Lee," Mr. Luke interrupted, "can you all stop these shenanigans and tell me when I'll be released?"
"Oh! I almost forgot," Moody said. "The doctor told me your leg isn't in good condition. You have a fracture and it needs time. They even showed me your X-ray. For now, you're going to rest until we see improvement. Lena and l will visit every day."
"That's terrible! I didn't know it was that serious. I can't believe those goons broke my leg and now I'm stuck in these hospital walls," Mr. Luke complained. "Damn it, girl! Isn't this bad?"
"It's okay, Father. We're here. I'm just happy to finally hold your hands again."
"Hey, baby girl, don't cry. In fact, you should be thanking this young man. He's done a lot, you know. I shouldn't be complaining when I haven't even thanked him properly. I'm embarrassed."
"It's okay, sir. There's no need," Moody said. "Everything happens for a reason. Now you need to relax. Don't stress. It's late—we'd better leave; it's a five-hour journey. I have another issue to attend to."
"Yeah, it's almost five. You might end up squeezing yourselves into my bed, and I won't like that," Mr. Luke joked.
"Hahaha! No, that won't happen," Moody laughed. "Anyway, Lena, I'll be outside waiting for you. You have thirty-five seconds to talk to your dad. See you soon, Mr. Luke." He left the room.
Lena's face immediately flushed red. She froze, already knowing exactly what her father was about to say.
"So… do you love him?" he asked the moment Moody's footsteps faded.
"Dad! I—I don't know. I've never thought about it like that. He's just a friend. That's all I see him as. Nothing more," she insisted.
"Really?"
"Yes, Dad. I trust my instincts. I know how I feel."
"Okay, if you say so. But reconsider your feelings. Instincts lie sometimes—and insecurities too. Don't lose gold thinking it's silver."
"I know what I want. I can't rush things without knowing his intentions. I just… can't."
"I get you, baby girl. Always follow your heart. Unlike me—honestly, I don't know why I even married your mother. I wouldn't look this helpless now."
Lena looked at him sympathetically. "Is it your biggest regret?"
Mr. Luke sighed deeply. "Biggest regret? No… no, not really. Your mother gave me you, didn't she? But if we're talking about mistakes…" He leaned closer and whispered dramatically, "Marrying a woman who thinks salt can expire is definitely top three."
Lena burst into laughter. "Dad! Why are you like this?"
"I'm serious! She threw away a whole pack yesterday. Said it tasted 'emotionally outdated.' Who says that?"
"Mom, apparently," Lena chuckled. "You two are impossible."
"And you!" Mr. Luke pointed at her. "If you deny that Moody boy one more time, I swear I'll personally wheel myself out of this bed and drag you both into a wedding hall."
"DAD!"
"I'm injured, not blind. The boy looks at you like you hung the moon. And you look at him like he's the last slice of cake no one's allowed to touch."
"That's not true!"
"Sure it's not," he said with a wink.
Just then, Moody peeked his head back into the room. "Lena, your thirty-five seconds ended two minutes ago. Should I start the timer again?"
"No!" both she and her father shouted at the same time.
Moody blinked. "…Okay then. I'll be… standing here quietly like a decorative plant."
Lena groaned. Mr Luke smirked proudly. And Moody—well, he tried to act normal but ended up nearly knocking over a hand-sanitiser dispenser in his attempt to "blend with the wall."