Considering his line of work, Raymond Smith never thought he could ever have a stable relationship. But that all changed when he met Katie, she turned his whole world upside down
18+
The doctor entered the room, clipboard in hand, his expression professional but not grim. Ray immediately straightened in his chair, his eyes locked on the doctor's face, searching for clues before any words were spoken.
"Well," the doctor began, "Ms Blackburn's results show steady improvement, but her recovery is slow. She'll need to stay here for at least another week, possibly two, depending on how things progress. Rest will be critical."
Ray exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Relief tempered by worry settled over him like a heavy blanket. "Thank you, Doctor," he said, his voice low but steady.
Katie smiled faintly, her fingers brushing the edge of the blanket covering her lap. "Thank you," she echoed softly.
The doctor gave a small nod before leaving.
Ray turned to her, his gaze scanning her face. "You okay? Need anything?"
"I'm fine, Ray," Katie assured him, her voice gentle.
Ray hesitated for a moment, his hand resting on the side of her bed. "I need to take care of some business at Mickey's place" he said finally, his tone reluctant but firm.
Katie's brow furrowed slightly, but she nodded. "Alright."
"It won't take long," Ray promised, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead before leaving the room.
Minutes passed, the room now quiet except for the faint hum of the machines. Katie picked up a magazine from the bedside table, flipping through the pages without much interest. Her focus wavered until the door opened softly, almost hesitantly.
She looked up, her heart skipping a beat as Jack stepped inside, closing the door quietly behind him. He held a small bouquet of blue flowers, their vibrant color a stark contrast to the sterile white of the hospital room.
"Jack," Katie said, her voice a mix of surprise and uncertainty. She dropped the magazine onto her lap, her eyes fixed on him.
Jack gave her a faint, almost apologetic smile as he moved closer. Without a word, he placed the bouquet beside the others—a growing collection from Ray, Rosalind, and Mickey.
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"Are you okay?" he asked quietly, his gaze fixed on the flowers instead of her.
"More or less," Katie replied, studying him. "What about you?"
Jack's shoulders sagged, his composure cracking just enough for her to see the guilt and regret beneath. "No," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Ray's never going to forgive me for this."
Katie's expression softened. "Jack," she began, her tone firm yet gentle, "it wasn't your fault. You did everything you could to keep us safe. I know that."
Jack's head lifted slowly, his eyes meeting hers for the first time. They were full of anguish, and for a moment, he looked like he might argue. Instead, he swallowed hard and said, "I'm so sorry."
