Hey," Brayden said, looking so defeated and pale.
"The doctor said I should make sure you use your medications properly, here you go."
He handed me a pack of tablets and watched me take them
"I have to head home now, I've not been in the company for a few days now, I'll be back soon. Take care" and with that, he left the room.
Silence.
Jason looked at me, " I did not mean for that to happen, It was out of place. I'm sorry"
"It's fine I said, I barely have any memories of him".
The effect of the drug kicked in and I drifted off.
I woke up feeling so hungry and lightheaded, I took note of my surroundings and I must say, I perceived the most breathtaking aroma ever.
"What's that? Where's that coming from?" I whispered
" oh hi" Jason said, "you're awake, uhmmm I brought an extra pack of food with me if you want, I figured you'd be starving when you wake up"
This act of kindness warmed my heart and tummy I must say
"Thank you" I said, smiling at him.
"I'll love a plate" and he handed the food over to me.
He watched me fiddle with the container, I had bandages around my arm so I couldn't move properly.
"I'll feed you"
"Oh no you shouldn't, that's asking for too much already"
"No it's fine, I don't mind by the way I just did the same for my grandma before she fell asleep. It's not big deal really"
I looked at him and gave in
"I'll love that, thank you"
He scooped a small portion onto the spoon and held it near my lips.
I hesitated for a second.
Not because I didn't trust him.
But because something about this felt… intimate and oddly soothing.
"I promise I won't poison you," he teased softly.
A small laugh escaped me before I could stop it.
And for the first time since I woke up, I felt normal.
I opened my mouth and let him feed me.
The food was warm. Comforting. Spicy in a way that reminded me of something I couldn't quite place.
"This is really good," I murmured.
"I got it from a local restaurant my grandma loves," he said. "She insists hospital food has no soul."
"No soul?" I smiled.
"Yeah. She says food should feel like a taste of home."
Home?
My chest tightened unexpectedly.
Why did that word make me emotional?
He wiped a small stain from the corner of my lip with a napkin.
His fingers brushed my skin.
Electric.
We both froze.
And suddenly, the room felt smaller.
I pulled back slightly.
Not because I wanted to.
But because I remembered.
Brayden.
A man who apparently loved me.
A man who stayed by my side.
A man I couldn't remember loving back.
"I shouldn't…" I whispered.
Jason lowered his hand immediately.
"You don't owe anyone anything right now," he said gently. "You're healing."
Healing?
Was that what this was?
Or was I already breaking something?
He fed me in silence after that, and I thanked him more times than necessary .
He then offered to walk me outside to see the beautiful evening sky, I declined.
I needed to get my emotions in place.
I needed space from being in close proximity with him.
It feels like I'm cheating and I don't know why.
Not like I feel anything for Brayden or do I?
What's this guilt?
And by the way where is Brayden?