When Love is a Question Mark-Chapter 35: Discharge

Chapter 35: Discharge
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the blinds of Zinnia’s hospital room, marking the start of a new day. Samuel arrived early, knocking softly before stepping inside. He found Zinnia already sitting up, her long hair framing her face as she gazed out the window.
"Good morning," Samuel greeted, his voice warm yet restrained.
Zinnia turned toward him and smiled, the morning light adding a soft glow to her tired face. "Good morning, Samuel," she replied. "You’re here early."
"I couldn’t leave you waiting," Samuel said, stepping closer to her bed. "How are you feeling?"
"A bit better," Zinnia replied with a slight nod, her voice still weak. "Just ready to leave, I guess."
Samuel nodded, his expression calm but focused. "Good. I’ll get your things." Without waiting for a response, he moved around the room, gathering Zinnia’s belongings with the same care she saw in him last night when he cut the fruit. He was careful, almost too careful, as if collecting her items held more meaning than it should.
Zinnia sat quietly, watching him with mixed feelings. There was a softness in his eyes that Zinnia couldn’t ignore. She knew Samuel cared, but a part of her felt uneasy. How could he still be this kind, this attentive, after everything they had been through? A pang of guilt hit her as she thought of how he had offered to help her find James, the man who still held part of her heart.
Once Samuel had everything, he walked over to her, extending his hand. "Are you ready?" he asked gently.
Zinnia nodded, her heart beating a little faster as she accepted his hand. "Yeah, I’m ready."
He helped her to her feet, staying close as she stood up. His hand remained steady, guiding her as they walked out of the room. The weight of his support—both physically and emotionally—lingered between them.
As they walked down the hospital hallway, Zinnia felt eyes on them. People were staring, whispering to one another as they passed. She glanced around and noticed the looks of surprise and admiration on their faces.
"Is that them? Samuel and Zinnia?" someone whispered in awe.
"Oh my God, they’re still together?" another voice chimed in, full of excitement.
"Yeah, but what about James?" someone else murmured. "Anyway, Samuel and Zinnia are the best couple. I always knew they’d stay together."
Zinnia felt her cheeks flush as the whispers grew louder. She wasn’t used to this kind of attention, especially when her feelings were so complicated. The way people talked about them, like they were some perfect couple, felt surreal.
Samuel, however, seemed unfazed. He glanced toward the voices and, without warning, flashed a charming smile. The sudden gesture sent a wave of squeals through the crowd.
"Samuel and Zinnia forever!" Someone shouted with enthusiasm.
Zinnia, caught off guard by Samuel’s reaction, let out a small laugh. "I didn’t expect that from you," she said lightly.
Samuel glanced down at her, a playful glint in his eyes. "Sometimes it’s easier to just smile and let them believe what they want," he replied smoothly.
Zinnia couldn’t help but giggle. She wasn’t sure what amused her more—Samuel’s relaxed attitude or the fact that he had made a group of strangers swoon with just a smile. "You’re full of surprises," she said, still chuckling.
When they reached the car, Samuel, ever the gentleman, opened the door for her. "Here," he said, holding it open and gesturing for her to sit. Zinnia slid into the passenger seat, her heart fluttering slightly at his attentiveness.
Before she could even reach for her seatbelt, Samuel leaned in and gently pulled it across her, clicking it into place. Their faces were just inches apart, and for a brief moment, Zinnia thought he might say something, but he didn’t.
Instead, he backed away and headed to the driver’s side. As he settled in, Zinnia felt the tension between them ease slightly, but there was still something unspoken in the air.
As Samuel started the car, he glanced at her. "So, ready to get back home?" he asked, trying to lighten the mood.
Zinnia nodded, grateful for the change in topic. "Yeah, I think so. It feels like forever since I’ve been home."
The car ride was mostly quiet, the soft hum of the engine filling the silence between them. Samuel, in an attempt to keep things light, cracked a joke. "Why did the scarecrow win an award?" he asked, glancing at her with a hopeful look.
Zinnia blinked, caught off guard. "Uh... why?"
"Because he was outstanding in his field," Samuel finished with a proud grin.
Zinnia stared at him for a moment, completely speechless. She had never heard Samuel tell a joke like that before, and of all things, it was a dad joke. She didn’t know how to respond.
Samuel’s grin faded slightly when he saw her reaction, a hint of embarrassment crossing his face. "Okay, maybe that wasn’t the best joke," he muttered, looking sulky.
Zinnia, noticing his reaction, suddenly burst into laughter. "Oh, Samuel," she said between giggles, "I never thought you could have such a cute expression on your face."
Samuel looked at her blankly, clearly not expecting her sudden outburst.
"Eyes on the road," Zinnia reminded him, still laughing. She couldn’t help it—seeing Samuel like this, so vulnerable and human, was something she hadn’t expected.
Samuel glanced back at the road, but he couldn’t hide the smile creeping onto his face. Seeing Zinnia so happy, so carefree, made something inside him soften. Soon, the air between them lightened, and the awkwardness disappeared as they relaxed into the moment.
By the time they pulled up outside their house, the tension from earlier had almost vanished. Samuel parked the car and turned to her. "Welcome home, Zinnia. Congrats on getting discharged."
Zinnia smiled warmly, the weight of the last few days lifting. "Thanks, Samuel," she replied, her voice filled with gratitude.
They exchanged a look, one that held quiet understanding, before stepping out of the car. Samuel, ever thoughtful, retrieved Zinnia’s things from the backseat and followed her to the front door.
As they walked inside, Zinnia took the lead, her steps light as she crossed the threshold of their home. Samuel followed closely behind, his presence steady and reassuring. It wasn’t perfect, and there was still much left unsaid, but for now, they were together, and that was enough.