Chapter 79

NOAH I went to the billing department to settle the surgery fee for Hannah’s navicular bone surgery, scheduled for the next morning. Olivia was with Hannah, and I decided to take the initiative and handle the payment. Olivia had just calmed down and was still deeply worried about Hannah, so I wanted to take some of the burden off her shoulders. When I returned to Hannah’s room, I was carrying dinner, including a bowl of creamy mushroom soup for her. I handed Olivia her meal first. She accepted it but kept her attention focused on Hannah, her mind clearly elsewhere. “What about Hannah?” Olivia asked, her concern still evident. “I’ll give this soup to her later,” I explained. “Since she’s not allowed to eat solid food after 8 PM tonight due to her surgery tomorrow at 9:30 AM, she can only have clear liquids until 2 AM. After that, she can’t have anything to eat or drink.” The next morning, the surgery was quick and went as planned. The doctor provided Olivia with clear instructions on ho