Ryan had spent an entire week confined to a hospital bed, his normally robust energy sapped by the viral respiratory infection that had landed him in the ICU. But with each passing day, his strength returned, thanks to diligent care from the medical team and the constant presence of Avery by his side.
For Avery, the week had been a whirlwind of worry, relief, and determination to keep Ryan’s spirits up. Despite her busy schedule at Kane Enterprises, she spent every possible moment with him, bringing comfort and entertainment to his hospital room.
On the second day, when Ryan was strong enough to hold a conversation, Avery walked in carrying a bag full of goodies.
“What’s all that?” Ryan asked, raising an eyebrow as he adjusted his bed to sit up straighter.
“Hospital-approved entertainment,” Avery said, grinning as she placed the bag on the small table beside him.
She pulled out a stack of puzzle books, a deck of cards, and a small portable speaker. “You’ve got crosswords, Sudoku, and trivia. And I downloaded a playlist of all your favorite songs so we can have a little jam session if you’re up for it.”
Ryan chuckled, shaking his head. “You thought of everything, didn’t you?”
“Of course,” Avery said, leaning over to kiss his cheek. “I’m not letting you sit here bored out of your mind. You’re a terrible patient when you’re bored.”
That afternoon, Avery sat on the edge of Ryan’s bed, dealing a hand of cards for Go Fish.
“Got any eights?” she asked, smirking.
Ryan held up a card reluctantly. “You’re cheating somehow. You always know what I have.”
“Maybe I’m just that good,” Avery teased, adding his card to her growing pile. “Got any queens?”
Ryan sighed dramatically, handing over another card. “This isn’t fair. I’m sick, and you’re taking advantage of me.”
“Don’t use the ‘I’m sick’ card on me, Hayes,” Avery shot back with a grin. “You’ve already beaten me at trivia twice today. Let me have this.”
Ryan laughed, the sound bringing warmth to Avery’s heart. It was a sound she hadn’t heard enough of lately, and it reminded her of how resilient he was.
On the fourth day, Avery walked in with Sunny in tow, the golden retriever wagging her tail excitedly as she saw Ryan.
“Surprise!” Avery said, holding Sunny’s leash as the dog eagerly tried to jump onto the bed.
“Sunny!” Ryan exclaimed, his face lighting up. He patted the side of the bed, and Sunny obediently climbed up, carefully curling beside him.
“She’s missed you,” Avery said, sitting in the chair beside the bed.
“I missed her too,” Ryan said, scratching behind Sunny’s ears. “And you, of course.”
“Of course,” Avery said playfully.
For the next hour, Ryan and Avery laughed as they took turns tossing a small toy for Sunny to catch. Even in the confines of the hospital room, Sunny’s presence brought a sense of normalcy that both Ryan and Avery desperately needed.
By the end of the week, Ryan was finally well enough to go home. His color had returned, his breathing was normal, and his energy was steadily climbing.
“Good news,” Dr. Clarke said as he entered the room that morning. “You’re cleared to leave today, Mr. Hayes. Just take it easy for the next couple of weeks—no overexerting yourself, plenty of rest, and follow up with your primary care doctor.”
Ryan grinned, relief washing over him. “Thanks, Doc. I’ll take it easy. I promise.”
Avery raised an eyebrow. “We’ll see about that.”
Ryan smirked. “You’re going to be my nurse, aren’t you?”
“Damn right I am,” Avery said, crossing her arms. “And I’m very strict about following doctor’s orders.”