Chapter 88

• “Thank you.” It’s a genuine response because this gown is not exactly great at hiding things or offering comfort, and maybe eating will help straighten me out a little. In human form, I’m suffering from the effects of not eating and probably have low blood sugar to boot. The female seems interested in me but keeps her distance, and it’s easy to tell that my kind makes her nervous. She pushes the trolley near to him, then turns and walks away without a word.
• “It’s nothing too adventurous, just a chicken salad and bread. The cook is normally quite wonderful with our hot food, but you were an in-between-meals visitor. It won’t be long before lunch is served, and it’ll be something hot as always. I believe today is carrot and coriander soup, followed by delightful steak tartare. A fabulous, talented chef, and we are most grateful to have one here.” Despite his overly friendly chatter and enthusiasm over food, he seems awkward now that we are down here, and I catch him glancing over his shoulder at our sleeping beauty, watching our departed medical student walk into her room and check on the equipment and levels. The door closes behind her quickly and dampens the noise back to a low hum that intensified when she opened it. I catch the doc pause for a second longer before a slight sag gives away a little tell.
• “You knew her?” I ask brazenly, seeing a sadness as he turns back to me and a fake smile pops up to hide his obvious reaction. His expression clouding over a little, and despite my senses not being on form, I can almost taste the change in his mood. He looks at me oddly, eyes narrowing, and it’s as though he goes to say something, then stops and falters, his mouth opening with no sound before he draws back, looks around once more, and leans in a little, lowering his tone. Only too aware of the female across the way.