Third Person's POV
Jade Maple Private Hospital
Elder Asher Jade Maple had not left Hazel's side for more than a few minutes since she woke up.
At that moment, he sat beside her bed holding a glass of water while watching her with the focus of a hawk guarding its only chick. The moment Hazel finished drinking, he carefully took the cup from her hands and placed it on the bedside table before gently patting her head.
A smile appeared on Hazel's face.
"Grandfather, I'm not a child anymore."
"You'll always be my little girl."
His voice softened as he reached for her hand and held it carefully between both of his.
"Are you sure you're feeling alright?"
Hazel nodded.
"I'm okay."
Asher studied her face for several seconds as though searching for any sign of pain she might be hiding.
"You scared me."
The smile on Hazel's face weakened slightly.
"I'm sorry."
The old man immediately shook his head.
"Don't apologize."
His grip tightened around her fingers.
"As long as I'm alive, your grandfather will never leave your side again. I won't allow anything bad to happen to you."
Hazel's eyes softened and before she could answer, Asher suddenly broke into a fit of harsh coughing.
The hospital assistant monitoring Hazel immediately stepped forward.
"Sir, should I call a doctor?"
Asher waved her away dismissively.
"I'm fine."
Another cough escaped him.
The assistant looked unconvinced.
"Sir…"
"Hazel needs the attention more than I do."
The assistant hesitated before hurrying out of the room anyway.
A few minutes later, she returned with a nurse.
The nurse checked Asher's blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels while the old man sat there looking mildly annoyed by the entire situation.
Finally, the nurse stepped back.
"Everything looks stable."
The hospital assistant visibly relaxed.
However, the nurse pointed a finger toward Asher.
"You still need rest. Your body isn't as young as it used to be."
Asher chuckled.
"Yes. I'm not getting any younger."
"And stop worrying so much."
"I'll try."
The nurse nodded.
"Good."
After exchanging a few more words, the nurse left the room.
The moment the door closed, Asher turned toward the hospital assistant.
"You disturbed that poor nurse for such a trivial matter."
The assistant looked helpless.
"Sir, you were coughing."
"I've been coughing for years."
Hazel couldn't help laughing.
Then she reached over and gently rubbed her grandfather's hand.
"Grandfather, let her do her job."
The old man's expression softened immediately.
"Fine."
Several hours passed peacefully afterward.
Asher eventually settled into the armchair near the window while the hospital assistant remained seated nearby where she could monitor Hazel comfortably.
The afternoon sun filled the room with warmth.
Then a soft knock sounded at the door.
The assistant stepped forward and opened it.
"Miss Seraphina is here to visit."
Asher immediately brightened.
"Please let her in."
A moment later, Seraphina entered carrying a bouquet of flowers. The room seemed to brighten the instant she walked inside.
A warm smile rested on her face as she approached Hazel's bed.
"How are you feeling?"
Hazel smiled and stretched out her arms. Instead of answering, she silently asked for a hug.
Seraphina laughed softly before leaning down and wrapping her arms around her. Hazel hugged her back.
When they pulled apart, Hazel accepted the flowers happily.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Seraphina brushed a strand of hair behind Hazel's ear before placing the bouquet on the table.
The hospital assistant quietly excused herself and stepped outside.
Seraphina rested the back of her hand against Hazel's forehead.
"Your body is cool."
Hazel groaned dramatically.
"Unfortunately."
Seraphina laughed.
"You should be grateful."
"I'm tired of doctors."
"That's because they're trying to keep you alive."
Hazel pouted.
"They keep poking me with needles."
"That's also because they're trying to keep you alive."
Even Asher chuckled from his chair.
For a while, the room felt light and peaceful. Eventually, Seraphina glanced toward the clock.
"I should get going."
Hazel nodded.
"Okay."
Seraphina smiled warmly before turning toward the door.
She had only taken two steps when Hazel spoke again.
"Seraphina."
Her voice was soft.
Seraphina stopped walking, then she turned back. The smile remained on her face.
"Yes?"
Hazel looked directly into her eyes.
For several seconds, neither woman spoke.
Then Hazel asked quietly, "Why did you push me?"
Silence.
The question echoed through the room like a gunshot.
Asher frowned immediately.
The warmth slowly disappeared from Seraphina's eyes.
Hazel continued staring at her with a calm and steady expression.
"How did you do it?" Hazel asked softly.
The room seemed to grow colder with each passing second.
Asher slowly sat upright.
Hazel never looked away from Seraphina.
"How did you make everyone believe it was an accident?"