Ethan stood by the window of his hospital room, the morning sun casting a warm glow over the courtyard where he'd spent countless hours training. Today marked his final day in this room; he was being discharged. The weeks of relentless training had paid off—he felt stronger, more agile, and ready for the challenges ahead.
He glanced at the system interface, mentally commanding, "Status."
Status:
Strength: 18 (+8)
Agility: 15 (+6)
Stamina: 20 (+10)
Intelligence: 12 (+2)
Charisma: 14 (+4)
A satisfied smile tugged at his lips. The improvements were substantial, a testament to his dedication.
After completing his morning workout, Ethan wiped the sweat from his brow and made his way back inside. As he rounded the corner, he nearly collided with Samantha.
"Whoa, easy there!" she laughed, steadying herself.
"Sorry about that," Ethan chuckled. "Lost in my thoughts."
"Big day today, huh? Ready to bust out of here?" she teased, though her eyes betrayed a hint of sadness.
"Yeah, finally free," he replied, trying to keep the mood light.
An awkward silence settled between them, both searching for the right words.
"Listen, I... I wanted to give you something," Samantha said, reaching into her pocket. She handed him a small, neatly wrapped package.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "What's this?"
"Just a little something to remember your time here," she said, her cheeks flushing slightly.
He unwrapped it carefully, revealing a simple silver bracelet engraved with the word "Courage."
"Samantha, this is... I don't know what to say," Ethan murmured, touched by the gesture.
"Just promise you'll wear it, okay? And maybe think of me every now and then," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Of course," he replied, fastening the bracelet around his wrist. "Thank you."
Before he could react, Samantha stood on her tiptoes and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. She pulled back, her face a shade redder.
"I, uh, need to get back to work," she stammered, taking a step back. "Don't be a stranger, okay?"
Ethan nodded, still processing the unexpected kiss. "I won't. Take care, Samantha."
She offered a small wave before hurriedly walking away, leaving Ethan standing in the hallway, a mix of emotions swirling within him.
Later that afternoon, Ethan's parents arrived to help him with the discharge process. His mother fussed over him, ensuring he had all his belongings, while his father handled the paperwork.
"Ready to blow this joint?" his father quipped, clapping him on the back.
"More than ready," Ethan laughed.
With everything in order, they left the hospital and headed to Ethan's apartment. The familiar surroundings brought a sense of comfort. They spent the next hour unpacking his things, his mother insisting on organizing his kitchen despite his protests.
"Mom, I can handle it," Ethan groaned.
"Nonsense. You need a proper meal, not just protein shakes and energy bars," she scolded playfully.
After settling in, they decided to go out for dinner. The evening was filled with laughter and stories, a much-needed respite from the sterile hospital environment.
As they returned to his apartment, his mother pulled him into a tight hug.
"Take care of yourself, okay? And call us if you need anything," she said, her voice tinged with concern.
"I will, Mom. Promise," Ethan assured her.
His father gave him a firm handshake, their eyes conveying what words couldn't.
After they left, Ethan took a long shower, letting the hot water wash away the remnants of the hospital. Dressed in fresh clothes, he lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
"One week left," he mused aloud, the weight of the impending journey pressing down on him. He could only hope he'd be sent to a low-level world, one where his current stats would suffice.
His phone buzzed, pulling him from his thoughts. A message from Alise lit up the screen—a simple smiling emoji. He chuckled, typing back a quick reply.
As they exchanged messages, another notification popped up—this time from Samantha. He hesitated, then opened it.
"Hope you're settling in okay. Don't forget your promise :)"
Ethan smiled, typing back a reassurance. Juggling conversations with both women, he felt a pang of guilt. He valued them both, but the dynamics were becoming increasingly complex.
"Are you free tomorrow?" Alise's message read.
"Yes," he replied. "Lunch?"
"It's a date," she responded, followed by a winking emoji.
In her room, Alise read his reply, a blush creeping up her cheeks. She hugged a pillow to her chest, murmuring, "A date..."
Ethan set his phone aside, a mix of excitement and apprehension bubbling within him. He closed his eyes, willing sleep to come, but his mind raced with thoughts of the week ahead, the impending journey, and the two women who had unknowingly captured his heart.
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