Just as I was about to enter my patient's room, I saw someone walk out who looked exactly like her. She resembled her perfectly, except her complexion was lighter and livelier, and she radiated a much softer aura than her sister. It was extremely unsettling.
"Excuse me? Are you Léon?" she asked kindly.
It was disturbing—like seeing a gentle version of Claire.
"Yes. I had some issues these past few days so I couldn't take care of her, but I'm back now," I said, sounding fairly confident.
"Thank you for taking care of her," she said, bowing politely before leaving.
She was much kinder than the ogre I was dealing with.
"Hey~" I said, motivated to see my patient again.
"You're still alive?" she replied coldly.
This was off to a bad start.
"Still standing! You thought you'd gotten rid of me already, huh?" I teased.
"I would've preferred seeing you dead rather than alive," she said sadly, as if my death would've been a blessing.
"I would've preferred that too," I sighed.
"Why didn't you just stay over there then?" she asked, annoyed.
"Because I missed you, obviously~" I said cheerfully as I sat down in front of her.
"I didn't miss you. Another doctor would be better. One who's actually qualified," she said harshly. That one stung—she hit a sensitive spot.
"Why so mean~? I know you only want me," I said proudly.
"So stupid," she sighed, standing up.
"Wanna go to the garden? You seem to look at it a lot," I asked, curious.
"No thanks, not if you're coming with me," she said while staring at the garden.
"You can't go alone anyway. Come on," I said, inviting her to follow me.
"Hmm… no," she replied.
This was getting complicated. Fine, time to go all‑in.
"You're coming, or I'll ask to have your room changed far from here," I said slyly.
She suddenly stood up with an irritated expression.
"Fine, I'm coming," she said, glaring at me furiously.
We walked toward the garden, beautiful as always, though my patient seemed angry with me.
"It's not every day you come here, so enjoy it. I'll leave you to it," I said as I slipped away, leaving her visibly shocked by my sudden departure.
I sat on a bench halfway down the path so I could still keep an eye on her. She seemed to brighten up. For the first time, I saw a smile on her face as she looked at the roses.
"Léon!" a familiar voice suddenly yelled right next to my ear.
"Ow! That hurts, you know, Tom?" I complained.
"I've been calling you for two minutes, but you seemed too busy staring at that girl," he defended himself.
"She's my patient, you know? I have to observe her," I said, looking away.
"You were observing her a little too much if you ask me," he pouted.
"I'm still a man, after all," I said mischievously.
He smiled at my remark.
"Come on! I was actually looking for you so we could go get some ice cream," I said, ruffling his hair.
"Liar," he muttered, still pouting.
"So, how's your rehab going?" I asked, changing the subject.
"Pretty well," he said, showing me his progress by hopping around.
"Hi," Claire suddenly said as she approached us.
"Oh~ Miss seems to be having fun~ It's the first time I see you socializing," I teased her.
"It's just you I don't like," she said, stabbing me right in the heart.
"You just hurt my little heart~"
"What's your name?" she asked Tom with a maternal, tender tone. I felt a bit jealous—I've been busting my ass for a while and he gets through on the first try.
"Uh… Tom," he answered shyly.
"So, what did you want to talk to me about? Usually you come to ask for advice," I asked, curious.
"He must be desperate if he's asking you for advice," Claire said coldly while doting on him.
"I want you to explain to me what a dream is," he said with a worried expression.