He shook the thoughts out of his mind as Madeline curled in his lap. He knew he was overthinking it. A fully functioning Ellie would definitely be different than one confined to a hospital bed, however, he knew deeply that she was not someone who would ever take advantage of him. He had this deep assurance that intrinsically she was a very kind and thankful woman. She would be a great wife for some other man, one more deserving than him.
At this point Madeline let out a loud snore, so Henry got up gently and created a little nest for her to rest in. He transferred her to it and tucked it around her. Then he straightened and began to stretch. It was time to face the new changes in his life.
In front of Ellie's room, Michael stood with a pair of nurses on either side of him as he watched Ellie sleep. Henry could see the scar on Ellie's exposed open back as a nurse was wiping it down with alcohol. Even though the nurse was touching her, Ellie was still out completely cold.