William was so flawless that Elise sometimes questioned if he was real.

She moved to the small table and ate a warm bowl of oatmeal. It soothed her empty stomach.

Lately, she had been too occupied to rest properly. After finishing her meal, exhaustion washed over her.

She leaned back against the sofa in the hospital room. Sleep claimed her quickly.

When she awoke, darkness had fallen. Someone had draped a blanket over her without her noticing.

"You're awake." William's deep, captivating voice broke the silence, startling Elise. For a moment, she forgot where she was.

William smiled, finding her disoriented expression endearing.

Elise flushed with embarrassment and rose from the sofa, struggling to appear composed. She glanced at the wall clock. She had slept for more than three hours. She was supposed to be caring for the patient, yet she had slept more soundly than him. "Do you need to use the restroom?" she asked, attempting to diffuse the awkwardness... only making it worse. "I mean..."

"Yes," William replied immediately.

Elise stared at him. He returned her gaze with an innocent look. "Well? Aren't you going to help me?"

"N-No, I mean..." Elise shook her head. "How would that work? With a bedpan?"

"Not while I'm lying down."

"Then..."

"I can get up," he stated.

"I'll call a nurse..."

"You can help me stand. I'm not that heavy," William said cheerfully.

Elise was speechless. His weight wasn't the concern!

Gritting her teeth, she carefully helped him sit up. "The doctors said you need bed rest. Are you sure you should be moving?"

"Absolutely."

Elise decided not to argue further. When nature called, it was urgent.

As she helped him to his feet, he let out a low grunt of pain.

"Are you hurt?" she asked anxiously.

"No."

'He's so stubborn,' Elise thought silently.

It took considerable effort to support him to the bathroom.

Once inside, she tried to leave, but he stopped her. "I can't stand on my own."

Meaning he would fall if she let go.

"I'll be fast," he added.

Elise was speechless again. That wasn't the point!

She turned her back to him, allowing him to lean on her for support.

Not heavy?! He felt like a solid wall of muscle!

She nearly buckled under his weight. What were men made of? He wasn't even overweight.

Then she heard the distinct sound of splashing. Her cheeks flushed bright red.

The sound seemed to go on forever. What happened to being quick?

Did he have a different definition of 'quick'?

Finally, the splashing stopped. "Are you done?" Elise asked impatiently.

"Sorry for the wait," William apologized.

"So you knew you were taking forever?!"

"Well, I've been told it's a sign of healthy kidney function."

Elise was rendered speechless once more.

Especially since he had been on IV fluids all day!