Connor resignedly hugged her, his palm resting on her waist, providing her with supportive strength.
"Hold tighter, I'm cold."
"Holding too tight will make the injury hurt."
"I don't fear pain."
Because of her words, Connor felt a sharp stab in his heart, painful and excruciating.
He tightened his arms, enveloping her entirely in his embrace, asking with restraint and heartache: "Does it hurt? Johan left some Dilaudid, should I give you an injection?"
"No pain."
Natalie Niles' face was pale, beads of sweat formed on her forehead: "Using too much Dilaudid is bad, don't let him inject me next time."
"He's a doctor; he knows the side effects of Dilaudid better than you. Since he used it, it must be fine."
Connor hugged her, feeling immensely soft-hearted: "You mustn't hold on stubbornly, listen to the doctor's advice."
"Oh, okay."
Natalie obediently complied, closing her eyes and leaning on Connor's chest, feeling a bit contented.
She didn't care.
