บท 10: Chapter 10: Eleanor
The sight before Eleanor was devastating. Luke Ashton fought to maintain his composure, struggling to hold back tears in front of his son. She couldn't help but think of her own negligence, recalling how Cory had been unusually quiet and subdued that day, even skipping playtime during lunch. If only she had paid closer attention, she might have caught the warning signs of his illness before he collapsed.
Now, she clutched her purse tightly, berating herself inwardly for her oversight. The pediatrician gently ushered them out of the examination room, needing space to attend to Cory without obstruction. Luke's voice cracked as he asked, "Where are the kids?" Eleanor hesitated, unsure if she should have brought them along. "I left them at school with the substitute teacher," she replied, her guilt and worry evident in her voice.
Luke's eyes, red-rimmed from holding back tears, met Eleanor's, and she knew he was thinking the same thing - what if this was their fault? What if they had missed something crucial? The pediatrician's voice interrupted their guilty reverie, calling them back into the examination room. "We've run some tests, and it looks like Cory has a severe case of pneumonia. We need to get him started on antibiotics right away."
As the doctor continued to explain the treatment plan, Luke's hand clenched into a fist, his emotions raw and visible. Eleanor instinctively reached out and put a hand on his arm, offering what little comfort she could. "I'm so sorry, Luke," she whispered. "I feel like I should have seen this coming." Luke's gaze met hers, his eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and anguish. "It's not your fault, Eleanor," he said quietly. "You're a great teacher. This isn't on you."
Later, Eleanor sat in the dimly lit hospital room, watching as Luke held his son's small hand. Cory's eyes fluttered open, and he gazed up at his father with a weak smile. "Hey, buddy," Luke whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "You're going to be okay." Eleanor felt a lump form in her throat as she witnessed the tender moment.
The doctor's voice broke the silence, "Cory's vitals are stable, but we need to run more tests to determine the cause of the pneumonia." Luke nodded, his eyes never leaving his son's face. "Do whatever it takes to make him better," he said, his voice firm with determination.
Eleanor felt a surge of admiration for Luke's devotion to his son. She knew that she had to do something to support them, to make up for her own perceived shortcomings. "Luke, can I do anything?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Luke turned to her, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Just being here means a lot, Eleanor. But if you could bring Rory and Nora here, that would be great. The kids will be closing soon, and I don't want them to worry."
Eleanor nodded, happy to help. "Of course, I'll bring them over. Don't worry about a thing." She stood up, smoothing out her dress, and headed out of the hospital room.
As she walked down the hallway, she couldn't help but think about the events that had led to this moment. She replayed the day's events in her mind, wondering if there was anything she could have done differently.
When she arrived at the school, she was greeted by the familiar sight of children playing and laughing. She spotted Rory and Nora, Luke's other two kids, and made her way over to them.
"Hey, guys," she said, trying to sound cheerful. "Your dad needs you to come to the hospital. Cory's not feeling well, and he wants you to be there."
Rory and Nora exchanged worried glances, but they nodded bravely. Eleanor escorted them to the hospital, trying to reassure them that everything would be okay.
As they arrived at the hospital room, Luke's face lit up with gratitude. "Thanks, Eleanor," he said, hugging his kids tightly. "Just having you all here together makes me feel better."
Rory's eyes widened with worry as he gazed at his sleeping brother. "Dad, is Cory really sick?" he asked, his voice trembling.
Luke forced a reassuring smile. "Cory will be better soon, buddy. He just needs the doctor's help for a bit. He'll be back home with us tomorrow."
Eleanor's heart ached as she watched the exchange. Luke turned to her, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thanks for today, Eleanor. I really appreciate you staying by my side. I don't want to take up too much of your time."
Eleanor nodded, trying to hide her reluctance to leave. "Let me walk you out," Luke offered, but she shook her head firmly. "No, you need to be with Cory. What if he wakes up and you're not here?"
Luke's expression softened. "It'll be fine, I won't be long." He turned to his kids. "Rory, Nora, watch after your brother. I'll be walking Miss Eleanor out." Then, he motioned to the door, "Shall we?" he asked Eleanor, who gave a defeated sigh and nodded.
As they walked out of the hospital room, Luke turned to Eleanor, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thanks for today, I really appreciate you staying by my side. I don't know what I would have done without you."
Eleanor's heart ached, knowing she had to leave them "You don't have to thank me, Luke. I'm just glad I could be here for you and the kids."
As they reached the entrance, Luke turned to Eleanor, his voice low and sincere. "You're a wonderful teacher and an even better person, Eleanor." His smile warmed her heart, and she felt a blush rise to her cheeks.
Suppressing her emotions, she offered a smile. "I'm glad you think so, Luke. Please keep me updated on Cory's condition. And if you need any assistance whatsoever, don't hesitate to call me."
Luke's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled again. He wanted to hug her, to express his gratitude more intimately, but he restrained himself, knowing it would be inappropriate.
"Thanks again, Eleanor," he said, his voice filled with emotion.
She looked down at her feet, her voice barely above a whisper. "You don't have to keep thanking me, Luke. I didn't do anything."
An awkward silence ensued, and Eleanor glanced up, her eyes meeting Luke's piercing blue gaze. She felt a flutter in her chest, and suddenly, she was overcome with a fit of coughs. "I'll be on my way," she choked out, desperate to escape the intensity of the moment.
Luke's face etched with concern. "Be safe, Eleanor. Text me when you get home?" he asked, his eyes locking onto hers.
Eleanor's heart skipped a beat. Don't think too much about it, she chanted inwardly. "I will," she replied, flagging down a cab and making her way home, her mind reeling with emotions.
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