Chapter 15: Attraction 1
Ethan had managed to slip into a light sleep, but it didn't last. He awoke shortly after, feeling the restless energy that seemed to always pulse beneath his skin. He wasn't the type to enjoy the quiet comfort of rest, especially not in a place like this. The sterile scent of the hospital pressed against him like a heavyweight. He couldn't stand it a second longer.
"Can you please call my doctor?" he whispered, his voice raspy from the dryness in his throat. His eyes darted open, landing on Maria-Isabel, who sat nearby, comfortably nestled in a chair with a book in her hands.
Maria-Isabel looked up, alarm flashing in her eyes. "What? Are you in pain? What's wrong?" Her voice was laced with concern, her brow furrowed in worry. Ethan saw it, the way she always overreacted, the way she always cared just a little too much. He found comfort in that, though. She was like a quiet storm, gentle but unyielding.
"No, nothing like that. I'm fine," Ethan reassured her quickly, though his thoughts lingered elsewhere. If only Mara paid as much attention to him as Maria did. If only the fire of ambition and independence that burned so brightly in Mara's eyes could soften just a little.
Ethan couldn't help but admire Mara's strength. She was fearless and self-sufficient. But at times, he wished she'd lean on him more. In his heart, there was a desire to be her superhero, to be the one she turned to when things got tough. But it felt as though she had it all figured out, as though she never needed saving. That was the difference, wasn't it? Mara didn't need him the way Maria did.
Maria breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay, thank goodness, you scared me for a moment there," she said, flashing him a soft smile before heading toward the door to call the doctor.
Ethan didn't waste time. As soon as Maria left, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and began to dress. There was no way he was staying here any longer. He had no patience for hospitals.
Moments later, Maria and Dr. Fred walked back in, only to find Ethan fully dressed, his expression stubborn, yet determined. Dr. Fred raised an eyebrow, clearly not surprised by Ethan's impatience.
"And where do you think you're going?" Dr. Fred asked, crossing his arms, his tone firm yet amused.
"I'm discharging myself now. I need you to clear me so I can get out of here," Ethan said, his voice steady, sitting back on the bed as if it were a simple request.
Maria-Isabel's eyes widened in disbelief. "Ethan, you can't be serious..."