Chapter 86: Maddie's Wish

Nick felt out of his depth, standing there trying to keep his smile steady for Maddie, who sat in her wheelchair, staring blankly ahead. His smile, forced and uncertain, couldn't match the cheerfulness of Harry, who had just burst in like the host of a toddler's birthday party. "Whoa...! This is amazing, isn't it, Maddie?" Nick's voice was overly enthusiastic, almost desperate.

Maddie blinked, momentarily distracted by the sheer volume of treats Harry had hauled in. It wasn't just the pie-shuus anymore; Harry had brought everything—slice cakes, fruit tarts, a spread so extravagant it was like Berry Bakery had set up shop right there in the hospital.

Maddie's face lit up for the first time since they'd entered the hospital earlier that day. She reached out and picked a strawberry pie-shuu, took a bite, then quickly moved to the blueberry and peach ones. "Wow, Harry, this is like... a sweets festival!" she said, her voice soft but happy.