The fluorescent lights of the hospital corridor cast a sterile glow as Lilian made her way through the familiar hallways of St. Mary's. The stress of work had been unrelenting, and she found herself needing a follow-up visit with Dr. Stevens to manage her mounting anxiety. Dressed in a chic cream blouse and tailored black trousers, she moved with a sense of purpose despite the fatigue that lingered in her eyes. Her hair, styled in loose waves, framed her face, giving her a touch of elegance even in her weariness.
As she approached the reception desk to check in, Lilian's thoughts drifted to Nathan. She hadn't seen him since their brief encounter in the hospital a few weeks prior, but he had been on her mind ever since. There was something about his quiet strength and kindness that resonated with her, offering a sense of comfort she hadn't realized she needed.
"Ms. Westbrook, you can head to the waiting area. Dr. Stevens will be with you shortly," the receptionist informed her with a polite smile.
Lilian nodded and made her way to the same waiting area she had sat in before. As she settled into a chair, she noticed a familiar figure in the room—Nathan's mother. The elderly woman was restingin a chair, her frail form enveloped in a soft, pastel-colored shawl. Her eyes, though tired, sparkled with a gentle warmth.
Lilian hesitated for a moment before approaching her. "Mrs. Blackwood isn't it?" she asked softly.
Nathan's mother looked up, her face lighting up with recognition. "Yes, and you must be Lilian," she replied, her voice kind but with a hint of curiosity. "Nathan has mentioned you."
Lilian smiled, feeling a slight blush rise to her cheeks. "It's nice to see you . How are you feeling?""Oh, you know, some days are better than others," Mrs. Blackwood said with a small shrug. "But having Nathan around makes it all a bit easier. He's such a good boy."
"He really is," Lilian agreed, taking a seat next to her.
There was a brief pause, filled with the ambient sounds of the hospital—the distant chatter of nurses, the occasional beep of medical equipment. Mrs. Blackwood looked at Lilian with a twinkle in her eye. "You know, I'm so glad Nathan has someone like you in his life."
Lilian blinked, taken aback. "Excuse me?"
Mrs. Blackwood chuckled softly. "You two make such a lovely couple. It's been a long time since I've seen him this happy."The words hung in the air, and Lilian felt her heart skip a beat. She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. Mrs. Blackwood continued, mistaking Lilian's silence for confirmation.
"I always worried he wouldn't find someone who understands him, who can be there for him in the way he needs. But seeing you with him, it gives me hope."
Lilian's mind raced. How could she explain the nature of her relationship with Nathan without offending his mother? She took a deep breath, ready to clarify, when the nurse called her name.
"Ms. Westbrook? Dr. Stevens is ready for you."
Lilian glanced up, then back at Mrs. Blackwood whose eyes were filled with anticipation. "I... I need to go," she stammered, rising from her seat.
Mrs. Blackwood reached out and gently squeezed her hand. "Take care, dear. And thank you for being there for Nathan."
Lilian nodded, her thoughts in turmoil as she made her way to the doctor's office. As she walked down the corridor, her mind was a whirlwind of confusion and unexpected emotions. The assumption that she and Nathan were a couple had thrown her off balance, and she couldn't shake the feeling that this misunderstanding might complicate things further.