Chapter 7 - THE WOMAN HE COULDN'T LOSE
Nora spent three weeks in the hospital.
Her ankle required surgery and careful rehabilitation.
Her ribs healed slowly.
Her headaches were monitored.
And Raphael visited every day.
At first, she found it irritating.
He brought flowers.
Books.
Food she hadn't requested.
And a ridiculous number of blankets.
One afternoon, she looked at the growing pile beside her bed.
“Mr. Corsetti.”
He looked up.
“Yes?”
“Are you planning to open a department store in my room?”
Raphael glanced at the bags.
“No.”
“Then stop buying things.”
He smiled faintly.
“I thought you might need them.”
“I need sleep.”
He immediately stood.
“I'll leave.”
Nora sighed.
“Sit down.”
He stopped.
She looked at him.
“You're exhausting.”
Raphael laughed.
It surprised them both.
For two years, Nora had known him as a man who rarely smiled.
Now he smiled whenever she spoke.
She didn't know what to do with that.
One evening, Raphael found her crying.
She quickly wiped her face.
“I'm fine.”
He sat beside her.
“No, you're not.”
She looked away.
“It's stupid.”
“Tell me.”
Her voice broke.
“I can't walk.”
Raphael's chest tightened.
“Not yet.”
“I can't work.”
“You're recovering.”
“I can't even get to the bathroom without help.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
“I hate this.”
Raphael took her hand.
“I know.”
She shook her head.
“No, you don't.”
He was quiet.
Then said:
“You're right.”
Nora looked at him.
“I don't know what it feels like to be in your position.”
He swallowed.
“But I know you don't have to pretend you're strong every second.”
She stared at him.
Then began crying harder.
May you like
Raphael gently held her hand.
And for the first time in her life, Nora allowed someone to see her fall apart.
