Chapter 9

Time slipped away gradually, and before long, it was already 5:00 pm. "Honey, it's already 5:00 pm, and I'm getting ready to head back to campus now. I'll come keep you company again tomorrow morning, alright? Sweetheart, make sure you take care of yourself too, okay? When I see you again tomorrow, I hope you'll already be awake." Yarrick gently stroked Hailey's cheeks as he spoke gently. It was getting late and time for him to leave. He had an hour's ride from the hospital back to his university, but he would return the next day after breakfast. ... As the days unfolded, Yarrick visited the hospital whenever he could. Each time, he would softly take Hailey's delicate hand in his and murmur affectionate, playful, sweet nothings to her. Hailey's vital signs were visibly improving day by day. As long as Yarrick held her hand and spoke to her gently, a soft blush would appear on her cheeks. If his words took on a teasing, sultry edge, her reaction would intensify. She would clutch his hand even more firmly. In the blink of an eye, his last day in university had arrived, and all the students were busily preparing to pack up their belongings. That afternoon, Yarrick had just returned to the dorm after a visit to the hospital. "Yarrick, where do you intend to rent an apartment? Are you interested in being roommates?" Michael and Yarrick were going to work at the same company, so sharing an apartment made sense. "Sure. Let's start looking for a place soon. Since it's graduation season, finding a rental might be challenging, and the prices will probably be higher than usual. How about we search for something near the company for an easier commute?" "Our company's in the business district. Rent over there is crazy expensive!" Michael shook his head in rejection. The area was filled with office buildings, and nearby housing was expensive. The two had just started their jobs and couldn't afford anything pricey. "Yeah, you're right. I'll look around and see what I can find." Yarrick picked up his phone and began searching for rental listings in the vicinity of the hospital and their workplace. Given his recent observations, Hailey's condition had stabilized, and her vital signs were strong. However, she still hadn't woken up, leaving the doctors puzzled. Patrick suggested that she appeared reluctant to wake up, as if something significant was troubling her. Upon hearing this, Yarrick resolved to maintain regular conversations with her, offering his long-term companionship. "I've scoured the area around the company, and the most affordable option that's still conveniently located is Yarrow Heights Residence. Unfortunately, it's an aging and run-down complex." "Oh? Yarrow Heights Residence?" Hearing that, Yarrick's interest was piqued. "Yeah. Look it up if you don't believe me." "Alright, I'll check it out." Yarrick launched his rental app and swiftly discovered listings for Yarrow Heights Residence, featuring both full units and shared-room alternatives. "This place looks quite nice. How about the two of us share a master bedroom? We could ask the agent to arrange for two single beds." Yarrick quickly realized that the place wasn't far from the hospital. It would be pretty convenient if he wanted to visit Hailey. "That's not bad. It's also fairly close to the company." Michael agreed. With their jobs secured and graduation approaching, it was wise to quickly find a place to live. "Alright then. How about we go check it out now?" "Sure." They quickly agreed and left the campus to catch a bus to Yarrow Heights Residence. On the way, they called the rental agent to set up a viewing. ... The apartment search went well. They viewed two units and quickly chose a master bedroom they liked. Soon after, they signed the lease at the rental agency. In the afternoon, the agency would replace the double bed with two single beds. By tomorrow, they could move in. "Michael, I still need to visit a friend at the hospital. Why don't you head back to campus first?" "Yarrick, I've noticed you've been going out a lot lately, and you always seem to carry a faint hospital scent. Did you get a job as a caregiver?" "Come on! Your imagination is running wild. We're starting work at the company the day after tomorrow. Why would I work as a caregiver?" "How about I accompany you to the hospital? Who's this friend of yours? Is it someone worth going there every day for?" "Oh, it's a family member from my hometown. You understand how family can be… I've got to help out with this." Yarrick definitely wouldn't reveal the truth to Michael. He couldn't exactly say that he was married and that his wife was on the brink of death. So, he just made up a random excuse. "I see. Alright then. I'll head back to campus then. We'll move tomorrow morning." "Sure." Yarrick nodded, and soon, he and Michael went their separate ways. After leaving Yarrow Heights Residence, Yarrick hopped on a bus at the entrance and headed straight to the hospital. By the time he arrived, it was already 3:30 pm. He would have arrived earlier if not for the rental matter. "Honey, I went to rent an apartment today. The name of the complex is so interesting. It's Yarrow Heights Residence. It has a letter from my name and one from yours. Honey, don't you think this means we're really meant to be together?" As he spoke, Yarrick tenderly brushed his fingertips across Hailey's face. Soon, her cheeks flushed slightly, and her temperature noticeably rose. "Sweetheart, can I call you Hazy? Or maybe Hails?" Yarrick leaned against the headboard, playfully teasing Hailey. Her hand twitched before she gently held his hand. Just as Yarrick was about to gently stroke her neck, there was a knock on the door of the ward. A young nurse entered, followed by a woman. The woman seemed to be in her early 30s. She was strikingly attractive, with a soft and compliant demeanor. "Yarrick, your wife's friend is here to visit. You can chat with her. Let me know if you need anything." "Thank you." Yarrick nodded, then turned his attention to the unfamiliar woman. He gently held Hailey's hand, not releasing it despite the new presence in the room. "Are you already married?" The woman scrutinized Yarrick before her gaze shifted to Hailey, where a silent apology flickered in her eyes. "Yeah. Nice to meet you. Are you Hailey's friend?" "Yes, I'm a very good friend of hers." The woman nodded, her voice low with a hint of something unreadable behind her words.