Three days passed swiftly, and Cedric's time in the hospital was coming to an end. The doctor entered his room, accompanied by a nurse who seemed unusually friendly. As Cedric sat on the edge of the bed, the doctor took a seat nearby, and the nurse stood by with a clipboard in her hand.
The doctor began the final check-up, asking Cedric about his physical sensations and any discomfort he might have experienced during his stay. Cedric answered, his voice calm and his responses concise. The nurse occasionally jotted down notes on her clipboard.
After a thorough examination, the doctor nodded and looked up at Cedric.
"Your recovery has been quite remarkable, Mr. Steelwind. Your injuries seem to be healing well, and your vitals are stable. How have you been feeling overall?"
Cedric met the doctor's gaze.
"I'm feeling better every day. The pain has reduced significantly, and I have more energy."
The doctor smiled approvingly.
"That's excellent to hear. Now, as you're about to leave, make sure to follow any prescribed medication and rest well. If you notice any unusual symptoms or discomfort, don't hesitate to contact us."
Cedric nodded, his gratitude evident.
"Thank you for taking care of me during my stay."
The doctor stood up and extended a hand. "It's been our pleasure, Mr. Steelwind. Take care and be mindful of your recovery."
Cedric shook the doctor's hand. "I will. Thanks again."
The doctor turned to the nurse. "Lana, please finalize the discharge paperwork."
The nurse, Lana, smiled warmly at Cedric. "Of course, Doctor."
With a final smile, Lana left the room to tend to the paperwork. Cedric changed into his own clothes, feeling a sense of relief as he looked around the room one last time. With his bag slung over his shoulder, he walked out into the hallway.
Lana joined him, her clipboard now tucked away.
"Ready to face the world outside?"
Cedric grinned. "More than ready."
As they walked down the corridor, Lana chatted amiably.
"I've heard it's your first time here in the city. If you need a place to stay, my father owns a motel nearby. It's a comfortable and affordable option."
Cedric was touched by her offer.
"Thank you, Lana. That's really kind. But I actually have a place to stay already."
Lana nodded understandingly.
"Oh, I see. Well, just know that the offer stands if you ever change your mind."
Cedric's appreciation was sincere.
"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks."
As Cedric left the hospital, the nurse made a quick call to the institute.
"Hello, this is Lana from St. Mark's Hospital. I'm calling to let you know that Cedric has been discharged. Yeah, he declined my offer for a place to stay. He said he already has something arranged. Alright, thank you."
After completing the necessary formalities, Cedric found himself outside the hospital, the fresh air a welcome change from the sterile environment he had been in. His fingers brushed against the card he had retrieved earlier from his pocket – the one with "Bob's Bar/Diner" written on it.
With a mixture of curiosity and determination, Cedric dialed the number on the card. The phone rang a few times before a cheerful voice answered from the other end.
"Hello?"
"Hey, it's Cedric," he replied, feeling a mix of uncertainty and anticipation.
A hearty chuckle came from the other end.
"Cedric! Good to hear from you. How are you doing?"
Cedric's tone was sincere.
"I'm getting there. You mentioned that if I needed something I should call you?"
The voice on the other end was upbeat.
"Absolutely. Why don't you come over to the diner? We can chat over a meal."
Cedric agreed readily.
"Sounds good. How do I get there?"
After getting the directions, Cedric hailed a taxi and gave the driver the address. During the 20-minute ride, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. This was a new opportunity, a chance to start fresh.
As the cab pulled up to their destination, Cedric paid the fare and stepped out. His eyes took in the sight of the cozy establishment before him – "Bob's Bar/Diner." The wooden sign above the entrance swayed gently in the breeze.
Large windows adorned the front, allowing curious passersby to peek inside. The warm, golden light spilled out onto the sidewalk, casting a gentle glow that beckoned those in search of a friendly atmosphere. A few tables were thoughtfully placed outside, each adorned with small potted plants that added a touch of greenery to the urban setting.
Taking a deep breath, Cedric entered the diner, his heart pounding just a bit faster. The bustling atmosphere was a stark contrast to the hospital's sterile silence. His gaze settled on Bob, who was engaged in conversation with some patrons near the counter.
Cedric waited for a moment, watching as Bob finished his conversation before approaching.
"Hey, Bob, it's me," Cedric greeted with a friendly smile.
Bob turned toward him, a grin lighting up his face.
"Cedric! Good to see you again,"
Bob exclaimed, his enthusiasm evident. He waved off the patrons and turned his full attention to Cedric.
"How are you feeling?"
Cedric shrugged, his smile genuine.
"Getting better day by day. Thanks for asking."
Bob clapped Cedric on the shoulder.
"No problem at all. Let's get you seated, and we can catch up over some food."
They settled at a table, and Bob signaled to a passing server.
"The usual for me, and whatever Cedric wants is on the house," Bob ordered with a wink.
Cedric chuckled appreciatively.
"Thanks, Bob. I appreciate it."
As they waited for their food, Cedric decided to dive into the reason for his visit.
"So, Bob, the thing is, I'm an orphan. I came here alone to study in Eldermyst University, and I'm looking for work and a place to stay."
Bob leaned back in his chair, his gaze thoughtful.
"I see. Well, I've got good news for you. We actually need a waiter for the bar downstairs. And you, my friend, with that height and charm, would be a great fit."
Cedric chuckled, genuinely surprised by the offer.
"Well, I appreciate the compliment. But I've got another skill that might come in handy. I can play the piano."
Bob's eyebrows raised in intrigue.
"Really? That's interesting. We don't have live music here, but who knows, it might add a nice touch."
Cedric nodded, a hint of excitement in his eyes.
"Exactly. I thought it could bring in a different vibe."
Bob's eyes lit up.
"I like your enthusiasm, Cedric. We can definitely work something out. But before we get into the details, let's talk about your living situation."
Cedric's expression turned thoughtful.
"Ah, that's actually the tricky part. I need a place that's affordable."
Bob leaned in, his tone reassuring.
"Don't you worry. I might have a solution for you. There's an attic in the building. It's not too big, but it's cozy and private. Plus, it's conveniently close to the university in the forest behind the city."
Cedric raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "An attic, huh? How much would it cost?"
Bob shook his head with a warm smile.
"You're in luck. I can offer it to you without any rent. Given what you've been through, it's the least I can do."
Cedric's gratitude was evident as he nodded appreciatively.
"That's really generous, Bob. I truly appreciate it."
As their conversation continued, the aroma of food filled the air, signaling the arrival of their meals. They enjoyed their food while discussing the logistics of Cedric's new job and living arrangement. Bob was eager to make Cedric feel at home and part of the diner's community.
After their meal, Bob stood up and gestured for Cedric to follow him.
"Let's take a look at the attic. It might need a bit of cleaning and organizing, but I think it'll work out just fine."
Cedric followed Bob as they made their way upstairs. The attic door creaked open, revealing a space that held promise. Despite its modest size, the attic had a certain charm with its sloping ceilings, exposed beams, and a small window that allowed sunlight to filter in.
Bob chuckled.
"It's not the most glamorous place, but it's cozy and private. You'll have your own little corner here."
Cedric gazed around the attic, envisioning it as his new home.
"It's perfect, Bob. I can definitely work with this."
Bob clapped Cedric on the back.
"I'm glad you like it. Now, as for the job and staying here, consider it settled. We'll make sure you have everything you need."
Cedric extended his hand, shaking Bob's with gratitude.
"Thank you, Bob. You've been incredibly kind."
Bob grinned.
"We take care of our own here. And you're part of the family now."
This unexpected turn of events had brought him to a new chapter in his life – one filled with opportunities, and a chance to build something anew.
Little did Cedric know that this diner cum bar, and the people within it, would play a significant role in shaping his future in ways he couldn't yet imagine.