Chapter 38: Ansel meets Erica again
“Sorry to bother you; I’ve come to administer your medication.”
The familiar voice resonated, causing Ansel to instinctively turn to look towards the door. In that instant, his eyes widened in astonishment. The girl who was closing the door looked like someone Ansel was looking for.
“Is it you?” Unable to hide her joy at meeting Erica, Ansel exclaimed An unconscious smile bloomed on the corner of her lips. This time, the roles were reversed, as Ansel was the first to recognize Erica. He hoped that Erica would also remember him.
Upon hearing the question, the girl turned her gaze toward the hospital bed. The moment their eyes met, a flicker of surprise flickered in the girl’s eyes. However, the girl quickly regained her composure, reverting back to her professional demeanor. The girl’s face looked so flat, extinguishing Ansel’s smile. Indeed, the girl was Erica. But unlike the previous Erica, who was approachable and friendly, this Erica would maintain a certain distance not only from Ansel but also from others. Perhaps, after the unfortunate incident involving Ansel, Erica made a decision to be less trusting and to limit her enthusiasm towards strangers.
“Hello, I am the one who will administer your medication today.” Erica’s voice was also colder than it was then. It was as if the present Erica and Erica at AB Company were two different people. Ansel could easily discern the change in Erica.
After speaking, Erica walked toward the bed. She appeared very focused, avoiding eye contact with Ansel. Meanwhile, Ansel felt puzzled as he stared at Erica intently. He expected Erica to be like before, immediately inquiring about his condition. However, Erica disregarded Ansel, which left him somewhat disappointed. Could it be that Erica had not forgotten about that day? The day when Ansel hurt Erica
After retrieving the necessary tools and medication from the box and neatly arranging them on the shelf, Erica turned to face Ansel and asked earnestly:
“Are you ready?”
Knowing that Erica was currently on duty, it wasn’t the appropriate time for private conversations. Ansel decided to temporarily set aside his intentions and cooperate well with Erica.
“Yes, I’m ready. Carry out your work.” Ansel spoke in a subdued tone.
“Alright, I’ll begin then. If you feel any pain, let me know.” Erica warned Ansel.
“I understand.” Ansel appeared expectant.
Afterward, Erica took the syringe and proceeded to inject the medication into the IV tubing for Ansel. The entire process occurred in silence. However, Ansel couldn’t take his eyes off Erica, who was incredibly focused. Countless questions arose in Ansel’s mind, but he couldn’t easily find answers to all of his uncertainties.
With swift and tidy movements, Erica performed her task excellently. While tidying up the equipment, Erica announced:
“In a while, the doctor will come to examine you. If you feel any unusual symptoms in your body, please notify the doctor immediately.”
“Yes,” Ansel replied naturally.
After completing the cleanup, Erica immediately turned around and left. At this point, Ansel couldn’t remain silent any longer. He couldn’t prolong his doubts any further.
“Wait a moment,” Ansel said.
“What do you need?” Erica turned back, being friendly when smiling. “How can I assist you?”
“I’d like to have a chat, if you don’t mind,” Ansel straightforwardly suggested.
“A chat?” Erica repeated, looking puzzled. “You and me?”
“That’s right,” Ansel affirmed immediately.
“Why do you want to talk to me?” Erica feigned surprise. “If it’s about your treatment, the doctor will inform you. My duty is just.”
“I want to talk to you privately,” Ansel interjected with a serious tone. “This is not about my health.”
“Well, what’s your reason? We don’t even know each other,” Erica innocently questioned. What Erica said wasn’t entirely wrong. But why does Ansel feel down when Erica wants to keep her distance from him?
“What do you want me to help with?” Erica asked again when Ansel suddenly fell silent. “Please speak up, and if I can help, I will.”
“I just want to talk to you,” Ansel reiterated firmly. His eyes pleaded with Erica, filled with urgency.This content belongs to Nô/velDra/ma.Org .
With some hesitation, Erica genuinely couldn’t guess Ansel’s motive. What kind of conversation did Ansel want to have? But Erica was certain of one thing: It was best for her not to get involved with Ansel. Whatever happened between them, it should be seen as a sad memory.
Erica was truly surprised to encounter Ansel here. What stunned her even more was when she was assigned to monitor Ansel’s recovery. From the beginning, when she received the task, Erica had no idea that the patient she was responsible for monitoring was Ansel. Why did Ansel choose the hospital where Erica worked part-time and interned to undergo cancer treatment out of all the hospitals available? Is this another divine arrangement? If that were true, is it possible that Erica and Ansel were destined for each other? Oh, Erica couldn’t believe in such a thing. Destiny didn’t exist for her. She brushed off that coincidence. Deep inside, Erica felt happy for Ansel because his surgery had been successful. But what could have prompted Ansel to come to the hospital for testing? Erica was curious to find out. However, she stopped herself, knowing that it wasn’t her concern.
“I’m sorry, but I’m not allowed to have private conversations with patients during working hours,” Erica responded after a moment of silence and contemplation. She made a clever choice as she politely declined, saying, “Furthermore, I don’t have any reason to talk to you. If you’re feeling too lonely or bored, you can go outside for a walk and meet and talk to other patients. If you don’t mind, I can assist you in going outside.”
Faced with Erica’s justified and convincing rejection, Ansel suddenly didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t help but think that Erica’s refusal was partly because she still held a grudge against him for the terrible thing he had done to her. Did Erica hate him, maybe even resent him? What should Ansel do now?
But wait a minute. Is this really Erica, the person Ansel is looking for? Or is this girl just someone who resembles Erica in appearance? Ansel suddenly has doubts when considering the difference in attitude between Erica and Erica a few days ago. Moreover, according to Ansel, the girl in front of him works at the hospital. While the other Erica works as a janitor, a waitress,…
“Are you Erica Watson?” Ansel inquired. He decided that he needed to clarify this suspicion. Ansel didn’t want any misunderstandings in this situation.
Faced with Ansel’s direct question, especially his serious expression, Erica knew that deliberately lying or concealing her identity wouldn’t be a good idea. However, considering other aspects, Erica felt she had the right to refuse to answer the question. She thought it would be best to maintain her distance from Ansel to protect herself. Erica didn’t want to get into unnecessary trouble.
“You’ve mistaken me for someone else,” Erica said gently.
“It’s impossible!” Ansel exclaimed, refusing to believe Erica’s answer. He was convinced that Erica was being dishonest. “I don’t understand why you’re lying. But I’m certain you’re Erica. We’ve met before. You even warned me about…”
“I apologize, but I need to get back to work,” Erica interrupted, cutting off Ansel’s intended words.
With that, Erica decisively stepped out of the room, leaving Ansel feeling extremely awkward and uncomfortable. Ansel was determined not to let this matter slide. Ansel has to clear things up next time.