Chapter 131

Katrina smiled softly as Clarence sat between her legs on the hospital bed. She was reading a colorful picture book to her daughter, who excitedly pointed at the animals and tried to name them. Katrina was healing steadily, though she still bore the marks of the attack- her bruises had shifted to dark purples and yellows, and bandages covered parts of her arms and legs. Clarence, too, had bandages on her arm, though the ones on her head had been removed. Despite everything, Clarence was in high spirits, giggling as she got another animal name correct. She wasn't having nightmares and found comfort in the familiarity of her mother's presence.

Kylan entered the room with a bag of food, a grin lighting up his face. "Well, look at my two favorite people up and at it!"

Katrina chuckled. "We're ready for a treat, and Clarence is doing really well."

"That's great to hear." He pulled the little hospital table closer. "I brought food because hospital meals are, well, not ideal." Katrina gave Clarence a playful squeeze. "Daddy is treating us, sweet girl!"

Clarence clapped her hands. "Yaaay!"

Kylan unpacked the food and sat down with them. Katrina smiled at the spread, a rare treat of fast food. "I'll help Clarence." She picked up a chicken nugget and fed it to her daughter. "Go ahead, honey, eat up."

Clarence giggled, munching happily. "Thank you!"

Katrina ruffled her hair affectionately and took a bite of her fries. "Mmm, just what I needed."

Kylan sipped his drink. "Good. I got milkshakes for both of you too, a special treat."

Clarence held her cup with both hands, sipping eagerly through the straw. "Yummy, Daddy!"

Katrina laughed. "A solid ten out of ten."

"Seems like it," Kylan said with a grin, though his mood shifted as his phone buzzed. He glanced at it, frowning slightly. It was another update from Isabella, his coworker, who seemed overly attentive since the incident. Isabella had been unusually interested in his absence from work, sending constant updates. Kylan texted back, politely asking her to stop for now, only to receive another reply from Ryan saying the group planned to visit today.

"Heads up," Kylan said with a wry smile. "The gang is dropping by to see you."

Katrina grinned. "It'll be nice to see everyone. I've missed them."

"It'll be good for you to have company," Kylan agreed. "But no overexerting yourself, okay? Rest when you need to."

She looked at Kylan seriously. "You and Clarence should be resting at home now."

"No," Kylan said firmly.

"But-"

"We're not leaving you," he interrupted, his tone brooking no argument.

Katrina sighed but relented. "Alright."

Just then, Dr. Lee walked in. "Good morning, Mrs. Ross. You're showing excellent signs of recovery. If you're ready, you could go home today."

Katrina's eyes widened. "Really? Can I?" She turned to Kylan with hope.

Kylan smiled warmly. "Yeah." He stood up, already gathering their things. "Where do I sign?"

"This way," the doctor replied. "I'll also prepare a prescription for her medications."

Katrina lifted Clarence off the bed, setting her on her feet. "Want to go home, sweetheart?"

Clarence nodded enthusiastically. "Please!"

"Let's get moving then," Kylan said as he packed their belongings.

After Dr. Lee removed Katrina's IV and patched up the needle marks, Kylan carried Clarence and wrapped an arm around Katrina's shoulders. "Thank you, doctor," Kylan said before kissing Katrina's cheek. "Let's go home." On their way out, the doctor cautioned, "Be gentle with her. Her ribs are still fragile, so no strenuous activity and plenty of rest."

take care of

on a bench while Clarence bounced

heading to

Katrina said softly, her eyes closing briefly

car seat before helping Katrina into the front. "Let's get you home," he said, concern flickering across his face as he noticed her wince. "Are you okay? Do you want to go back inside?" "No," Katrina replied firmly. "I don't want to go back. Just a little sore-I'll be fine." She

a squeeze.

the pharmacy for her medications, the family finally arrived home. As Kylan guided Katrina inside, she froze, her breath

ever happened,"

had someone fix the place while you were

smile. "You did an amazing

okay staying

"It's our home. I won't let what happened ruin

Kylan said proudly, kissing her

Katrina settled on the sofa, Clarence toddled over with her stuffed panda. "Here, Mommy," she said sweetly.

and smiled.

her mother's face with kisses. "Love

too," Katrina said, feeling her

arrived at the hospital. They came bearing flowers, balloons, and an

Uncle Aaron!" Clarence said, hugging

laughed. "Love you

tightly. "Love you too," he said warmly, kissing her forehead

of her

her. "How are you

softly. "It's okay. I'm

brought you flowers, but I bet Kylan's going to give me a death glare for it." Katrina laughed

smiled. "I'm glad you like it. I thought it'd be perfect for snuggling up while you recover. Plus, it'll come

cheek. "I'm a

"I know-Kylan let us in on

playful grin. "You told everyone what I

two." He then noticed Katrina giving him a teasing

another

the

I love it. Thank you so much!"

their thoughtfulness-there was even a replacement tea set for the one that had been broken. "You guys are amazing.

stuffed bear. "This is for you,"

you, Isabella. And thank you for holding down

before nodding. "Of

A pang of guilt swept over

Clarence doing?" Isabella

smiled softly. "She's doing really well. Her bandage should come

is," Isabella said, her

shake off their suspicions anymore. Harry, who had noticed the signs later than everyone else, leaned toward Ryan and whispered, "There's something off about

she looked at Katrina the last time we saw her. Like she's hiding

over.

admitted, "We think Isabella's up to something. She's too

sharpening. "I appreciate you looking out for Katrina, but I've got it handled. Let's not jump to

nodded, trusting

investigation going?" Ryan asked

by their friends. "There's no lead yet. It seems that the burglar who wanted to harm Kate disappeared in thin air. But I will catch

seemingly awkward among the group. "You might want to consider our suspicions, Kylan. It's good

went to scoop up Clarence and glanced at the group. "Sorry, everyone, but Katrina's due for her medication soon, and it'll make

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