Meanwhile, Hazel's parents had left to rest. Leo, Jay, and Jace had work at the company. Dominique had gone to see his mother. So Bella stayed.
The room was quiet. Mid afternoon light came through the blinds. Machines beeped softly. Hazel lay in bed, her face wrapped in bandages, her eyes closed.
Bella sat beside her.
Hazel couldn't use her jaw. No solid food. Only liquids: broth, soup, or anything soft.
Bella had made sure everything was ready. She had called the kitchen herself. Light chicken broth, warm not hot, a protein shake, a spoon, and a straw.
The food arrived. Bella thanked the nurse and set the tray down.
"Hazel," she said softly.
Hazel opened her eyes.
"I'm going to feed you. Just a little. You don't have to move your face. Just open your lips a little."
Hazel blinked once.
Bella picked up the spoon, filled it halfway, and brought it to Hazel's lips. Hazel parted her lips. Bella tilted the spoon gently. The broth flowed into Hazel's mouth. She swallowed.
