"Catherine, where are you? Can you hear me calling for you? Quickly respond, where are you?" Thomas called out, his voice echoing in the intensifying rain. Despite the downpour growing heavier by the moment, he paid no mind, sprinting forward. The thought of her being in danger drove him forward, a pang of distress gnawing at his heart.
Catherine continued to drag her feet, each step a struggle. She knew she had missed the last train, her feet ached terribly, rendering her almost unable to move. Moreover, the rain and wind had escalated, saturating her clothing. The wind cut through her, a frigid sensation creeping in.
"Catherine, you've got to keep pushing! Perhaps they're out there searching for you. You mustn't give up! Keep going." Catherine kept whispering to herself, motivating her spirit, enduring the pain, advancing step by step.
"Catherine, answer me, where are you?" Thomas ran and called out once again.
Catherine suddenly halted, as if she could hear Thomas calling her. "Thomas, I'm here, over here." It was truly Thomas, venturing to find her. A smile broke on her face as she turned toward the source of the call.
Thomas heard the response and rushed in that direction. True to his hopes, there stood Catherine, drenched from head to toe. Her complexion was pallid, and her steps were unsteady, her legs...
Thomas hastened to grab her hand. "Finally found you, Catherine. Do you realize how worried I've been for you? What happened to your legs?"
"Do you know how concerned everyone has been for you?" he continued.
"My legs got caught when I jumped down from that rock ledge... Carelessly," Catherine explained, glancing past Thomas. "Ack! Where are the others?"
"I let them reach the dock ahead. There's only one train left now. We must hurry! The storm is approaching, and if we miss that train, we'll be stuck here overnight," Thomas explained urgently.
"Alright, let's go now," Catherine hurriedly exclaimed, her nerves on edge.
Thomas gently pulled Catherine back. "How can you walk like this? And look at yourself, completely soaked. You might fall ill," Thomas rushed forward, positioning himself in front of Catherine. He bent slightly to examine her, while Catherine gazed back at him, seemingly unsure of his intentions. "What are you still looking at? Come on up, I'll carry you. It's quicker this way."
"Uhm, I see." So, that's what he meant. Catherine slowly ascended Thomas' back, a smile involuntarily forming as she observed his posture.
"Are you seriously laughing at a time like this? In such terrible weather, uncertain if we can even leave this place, and you're laughing?" Thomas turned his head, a quizzical expression on his face as he continued, "Is your leg still hurting? Be careful moving forward, don't make me worry constantly."
Though theirs was a contractual marriage, Thomas' evident concern warmed Catherine's heart.
It seemed they had arrived too late – the last train had already departed. Catherine and Thomas decided to find a place to stay until morning. Both were soaked and needed to freshen up a bit.
Thomas walked ahead, while Catherine leaned her head gently against his shoulder, finding comfort in his support. Despite the cold rain drenching them, his shoulder felt warm.
Thomas turned his head to look at her face, slightly surprised, then turned back and continued walking, not wanting to disturb the tranquility that had settled between them.
The hotel welcomed them as they stepped inside. Thomas didn't let Catherine down, keeping her in his arms. Smiling at the attending staff, he said, "Hello, do you have any available rooms?"
"Please wait a moment, I'll check for you." After a few minutes, the staff returned. "Sir, there is a room available. May I ask..." The staff noticed someone else on Thomas' back and inquired, "About this, sir? Currently, we only have a honeymoon suite left. Would that be suitable?"
"We'll take it." The staff smiled at them, seemingly recognizing them as a stranded couple. "Alright, sir and madam, please wait a moment."
After completing the formalities, Catherine and Thomas quickly made their way to their room.
The room was beautifully decorated, with a view of the sea and a shrine to the sea deities beyond the rain-soaked windows. The large bed faced the window, offering a view of the expansive sea. A living area with a lover's sofa was adjacent, and even the bathroom featured a spacious bathtub for couples. Truly a honeymoon suite!
In the small room, Thomas sat next to Catherine, who had sustained a leg injury. She appeared exhausted and in pain. Thomas noticed and decided to tend to her wounded leg.
Gently, Thomas took hold of Catherine's leg, carefully examining the injury. He knew that cleaning the wound was the crucial first step, so he used antiseptic solution and a makeup pad to gently cleanse the damaged area.
After cleaning the wound, Thomas applied a bandage snugly around Catherine's leg to provide stability and support for the healing process. He worked patiently and meticulously, ensuring the bandage was secure without being overly tight.
During the process, Thomas kept up a conversation with Catherine, aiming to distract her from the pain and anxiety. He reminded her that this care was temporary and things would return to normal soon.
Thomas then placed a pillow under Catherine's leg, elevating it to relieve pressure and discomfort. He also made sure she was comfortable and had essentials like water and pain relievers.
"Thank you, Thomas. And you're wet too. Would you like to shower first?"
"Are you sure? Would you like me to help you to the bathroom?"
Catherine blushed and stammered, "I can manage on my own."
At this moment, Cận Thế Phong took off his drenched shirt, placing it aside. He stood there, half-naked, while he smoked a cigarette. He used the cigarette to keep himself warm.
"Thomas, I've finished. You can take your shower now."
Thomas wrapped a bathrobe around himself as he emerged from the bathroom. He saw Catherine already asleep on the bed; she must have been exhausted today. Approaching her gently, he held her foot briefly, then released it before climbing onto the bed from the other side.
"Have you showered already?"
"Can't sleep yet? I wanted to check on you to make sure you're alright through the night."