Ever since then, Dr. Wilson had started treating her as a friend too.
Case in point: when he got married, he even sent her an invitation.
Thank you, Dr. Wilson said with a warm smile. Don’t forget to come, all right?”
He grinned, teasing, And don’t show up empty-handed.
Of course, Sherilyn replied with a laugh and a nod. How could I forget? Dr. Wilson, I’ll let you get back to work.
Take care, then.
After leaving the clinic, Sherilyn texted Joyce.
She knew Joyce had just finished a night shift, so she made a quick detour to the hospital to hand her the invitation in person.
At the hospital, Gilbert had just finished a battery of detailed tests.
When the results came in, the doctor’s face turned grim. What’s going on here?
He sounded genuinely puzzled. Everything was improving before… How did things suddenly get worse?
Worse?
Gilbert’s expression darkened. Charles immediately blurted out, Doctor, what do you mean, worse?
The doctor hesitated, then pointed at the scan. “Mr. Harrison, Mr. Charles, do you see this? It’s getting close to the central nervous system.
Central nervous system.
At those words, Gilbert’s brow furrowed, his mouth went dry, and for a moment, he couldn’t speak.
Mr. Harrison, have you been taking your medication on time? the doctor asked.
Yes. Gilbert nodded.
That’s strange…
The doctor studied his face, seeming to have an inkling.
This sudden downturn-it probably had something to do with his emotional state. But the details were too delicate to pry into.
Instead, the doctor chose his words carefully: Mr. Harrison, with cardiovascular and neurological conditions, keeping a positive mindset is extremely important.”
Ugh.
Gilbert, visibly uninterested in a lecture, raised an eyebrow impatiently. Just say it straight-am I dying?
No, no! Absolutely not! The doctor looked startled. I never said that!
Then quit beating around the bush. What’s the plan?
Right… The doctor wiped at his brow, beads of sweat prickling. Mr. Harrison, we’ll need to keep your results here and arrange a consult with the team. Would you like to rest in a room while you wait?
No need, Gilbert said, shaking his head. He didn’t have time for that.
Just tell me the verdict once you’ve talked it over.
Very well, the doctor replied, resigned. In the meantime, I’ll adjust your medication.
Go ahead.
After picking up his prescription, Gilbert was passing through the main lobby, right where the emergency and outpatient wings met, when he caught sight of a familiar silhouette.
Sherilyn? His throat tightened, voice suddenly soft.
The figure paused, then turned around it was Sherilyn, without a doubt.
A rush of warmth spread through Gilbert’s chest, and a smile tugged at his lips.
Gilbert… Sherilyn looked surprised; she hadn’t expected to run into him again so
soon.
Are you here for a follow-up? she asked, then immediately shook her head. No, today’s not your appointment day.
She remembered clearly—she’d accompanied him to every checkup, so she knew exactly when the next one was due. It wasn’t today.
Unless…
Her brows drew together in concern. Are you not feeling well?”
The doctor had warned her: his condition couldn’t take too much stress.
Had their breakup affected him? The last round of treatment had finally helped him improve…
No, Gilbert replied instantly, shaking his head. I’m fine.
Sherilyn hesitated for a second before realization dawned on her.
How could she forget? This was the hospital, and Caroline was still here.
For the past few days, Gilbert and Francis had been taking shifts caring for her. Right about now, it was Gilbert’s turn.
Well then… Sherilyn smiled gently. I’ll let you get back to it. I should be going, too.