In the hospital room.
Stella sat by Roger's side, staring intensely at the IV drip above his head.
"Stella, honey, you should go back and rest. I can stay and watch over him."
Samantha patted the girl's head, her voice soft and maternal.
Although it wasn't a life-threatening surgery, the risk factor was still incredibly high.
For the first twenty-four hours post-op, he required strict monitoring, especially to prevent any fevers.
Otherwise...
All their efforts would be for nothing.
"It's okay, ma'am." Stella remained in her seat, gently shaking her head. Her voice was faint. "I can take care of him."
He had ruined his hand for her. There was no way she could just go home and sleep peacefully.
She thought to herself.
If Roger woke up, he would definitely want to see her first.
"Alright then."
Samantha understood young love perfectly well and didn't try to force her out.
Before leaving, she quietly reminded her, "Call me if anything happens. Someone will bring you meals when it's time."
"Thank you, ma'am."
Stella stood up and walked Samantha to the door, bowing her head respectfully. "Have a safe trip home, ma'am."
Samantha paused.
She stopped in her tracks, looking at Stella's pure, innocent face. She reached out, affectionately patting the girl's hand, her eyes crinkling with a smile. "Still calling me ma'am?"
Stella froze.
She stood there completely stunned for two full seconds before dropping her voice into a shy mumble. "Auntie."
"Auntie?"
Hearing Stella's chosen title, Samantha's eyes widened. She looked a little disappointed and blurted out, "I thought you were just going to call me Mom."
Stella's face flushed through a violent spectrum of red and white.
"Alright, alright. Even though it's just a matter of time, I suppose I shouldn't rush you."
Stella's face turned even redder.
Knowing the girl was incredibly shy, Samantha couldn't bear to tease her any further and left the hospital after a brief goodbye.
Watching Samantha leave, Stella returned to the room.
Roger was already awake, but because he couldn't move his hand, he was forced to lie flat on the bed. His face was unsettlingly pale.
"Does anything hurt?"


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