The Love From Vengeance

139 FED

ARIEL’S POV

The hospital corridors were unusually quiet at this early hour, the only sound being the soft shuffle of my footsteps against the linoleum floor. I reached the lobby, where the fluorescent lights cast a harsh glow over the empty chairs and deserted reception desk. The automatic doors slid open with a soft whooshing, and I stepped out into the cool morning air.

The streets were just beginning to stir, and the sky was a canvas of pastel pinks and oranges as the sun peeked over the horizon. I made my way down the sidewalk, my breath misting in the crisp air. The city was slowly waking up, the hum of traffic in the distance mingling with the chirping of birds in the nearby

trees.

I turned the corner and spotted a small convenience store nestled between two towering buildings. The storefront was adorned with colorful neon signs advertising various goods, and a flickering “Open 24 Hours” sign beckoned to early risers like me. Yeah, that was kind of true.

The tantalizing smell of freshly baked pastries wafted out onto the sidewalk, making my stomach growl in response. So, stepping inside, I was greeted by the warm aroma of coffee and the soft murmur of a radio playing in the background.

The shelves were stocked with an array of goods, from canned goods to fresh produce; their vibrant colors were a welcome sight in the store. A friendly cashier stood behind the counter, a tired smile on his face, as he rang up a customer’s purchases.

“Good morning, Miss,” he greeted.

“Good morning.”

“How may I be of help to you?” He asked, yawning and stretching his arms.

“Well, I came to get myself some food,” I replied. “And you must be feeling tired, by the way.”

“Yeah, a job like this is so exhausting. You can go get what you want.”

“Okay.” I nodded with a smile.

I made my way through the aisles, selecting a few items to take back to the hospital. I picked out a ripe apple, a loaf of crusty bread, and a wedge of sharp cheddar cheese, each item carefully chosen with Luke in mind. He was going to love this, I think.

FRO

As I made my way to the checkout counter, I couldn’t help but linger by the rows of colorful flowers, their blossoms nodding gently in the soft morning light.

in hand, I bid farewell to the cashier and stepped back out into the waking city. The streets were now bustling with activity; the once- empty sidewalks

a sense of peace settle over me as I made my way back to

the hospital doors open and made my way back to Luke’s room, greeting

with the purchased food in my hand, and I sat next to him. This devotedness had just unfolded within me, and I couldn’t actually believe I was doing this. But I had to tell myself, “This isn’t

I took my hand off his

okay, Ariel. You don’t have to keep

was just being concerned.”

say I felt like I’d been run

why would you say that?”

don’t know. Because you ask

big lie right there. But anyway, I brought you some food. You need to eat

enough strength.”

too much. The nurse wasn’t lying when

word. What have you got there, by the

want to eat now?”

“Well, of course.”

strength. Incredible Hulk,” I teased him. “Don’t start acting like a two–year–old. Just show me

I had bought for him. The ripe apple, the loaf

clear, right? Not hospital food, since you wanted something

delicious?” Luke made an irritated face.

are

began to laugh. “I’m just kidding, alright. This all looks really delicious. It’s going to make me feel better at the moment. Maybe eat and

right away. “You are not doing

get the hell out of here.”

the

about what

let me feed you.” I held the apple up to Luke’s mouth, taking small bites

good. I never thought I’d