Ethan awoke to the soft morning light filtering through his hospital room window. His eyes landed on a tray of breakfast neatly arranged on the table beside him, accompanied by a folded note. Curious, he picked it up and read:
Here's your breakfast. Sorry about yesterday's accident.
He sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Smooth move, Ethan."
After finishing his meal, he dove into his routine—push-ups, sit-ups, and squats. Each movement felt more fluid, a testament to his progress. The system's benefits were evident, and he relished the tangible improvements.
Post-workout, he showered and dressed, deciding to step outside for fresh air. As he exited his room, he nearly collided with Alise.
"Alise!"
Before he could say more, she enveloped him in a warm hug. "You're up and about! No more bandages, I see."
He chuckled. "Yeah, feeling much better."
"I'm sorry I couldn't visit yesterday."
"It's okay. Work comes first."
"Actually, my mom insisted I take a break and visit you."
She lifted a container filled with pastries. "Brought some treats from the café."
His stomach growled in response. "Perfect timing. Let's eat outside."
They found a spot in the courtyard, spreading a blanket on the grass. The sun bathed the area in a gentle warmth, and the buzz of other patients and visitors added to the lively atmosphere.
"Feels like one of our high school picnics," Ethan mused.
Alise laughed. "Except no puddles for you to trip into."
He grinned. "Hey, that was one time."
They reminisced, sharing stories and laughter.
"How long are you stuck here?" she asked.
"Doc says two weeks."
She eyed him critically. "Have you been working out? You look... different."
He shrugged. "Just trying to stay active."
"Don't overdo it, okay?"
"Yes, ma'am."
After eating, Ethan stood. "Time for my run."
"Now?"
"Gotta keep up the routine."
As he jogged around the courtyard, he noticed whispers among the nurses. Alise sat nearby, her expression a mix of amusement and mild annoyance.
Finishing his run, sweaty and breathless, he returned to Alise. She handed him a bottle of water, dabbing his forehead with a towel.
"Thanks," he panted.
Nearby, he overheard murmurs:
"Is that his girlfriend?"
"Lucky guy."
Alise's grip on his arm tightened slightly. "Let's head inside."
"Why?"
"Just... come on."
She led him back to his room, her demeanor unusually possessive.
"I'm all sweaty," he protested.
"Doesn't bother me."
Inside, she released his arm. "Shower. Now."
He raised an eyebrow. "Bossy today, aren't we?"
"Just go."
As he gathered his clothes and headed to the bathroom, Alise began tidying up the room. A knock sounded at the door.
Samantha entered, carrying a dinner tray. "Hello, I brought—"
She paused, seeing Alise. "Oh, I didn't realize he had company."
Alise smiled tightly. "I'm his girlfriend."
Samantha's eyebrows shot up. "I see. I'm his nurse, Samantha."
The air thickened with unspoken tension.
"I can take that," Alise offered, reaching for the tray.
"It's my job," Samantha replied, holding it firmly.
Ethan emerged from the bathroom, oblivious to the charged atmosphere. "Oh, hey, Samantha."
Alise's eyes narrowed slightly. "Ethan, Samantha brought your dinner."
"Great, I'm starving."
Samantha set the tray down, her gaze flicking between Ethan and Alise. "Well, I'll leave you two to it."
"Thanks, Samantha."
As she left, Samantha glanced back, locking eyes with Alise. A silent challenge passed between them.
Alise turned to Ethan, forcing a smile. "She seems... nice."
"Yeah, she's been great."
They settled down to eat, but the earlier warmth had cooled. Ethan sensed the shift but couldn't pinpoint the cause.
After dinner, they watched a movie, though the easy conversation from earlier was replaced with awkward silences.
As the clock neared 8 PM, Alise stretched. "I should get going."
"I can walk you out."
"No, you need to rest."
"I'm fine, really."
She fixed him with a stern look. "Rest. No buts."
He raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright."
At the door, she hesitated. "Take care, okay?"
"Will do. Thanks for today."
She leaned in, kissing his cheek. "Goodnight, Ethan."
"Goodnight, Alise."
As she walked down the hallway, she passed Samantha, who was reviewing charts. Their eyes met briefly, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken rivalry.
Back in his room, Ethan lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. He couldn't shake feeling about getting stronger. Ethan look at his stats and his quite happy about the little improvement.
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