Zachary wasn’t particularly fond of apples, but when Serenity offered him one from the fruit basket, he accepted, saying, “I don’t want too much. Just give me a tiny piece.” Serenity washed the apple and sliced it into four pieces before handing one to Zachary.
As he took the slice, Zachary asked, “Why didn’t you peel the skin off?” Serenity replied, “I always eat it with the skin, just like when I eat shrimp. I’ll eat the shrimp with the shell if you don’t peel it for me.”
Zachary smiled and said, “Get me discharged, and I’ll take you to enjoy the seafood here. The city is near the coast, so the seafood is abundant and cheap. You can eat to your heart’s content.” “We’ll talk when you get better,” Serenity replied. “Seren, my temperature hasn’t gone down, but I feel better than yesterday. Let’s get out of here once I’m done with the IV drips, okay?”
As Serenity munched on the apple, she looked at him in silence. Despite Zachary’s attempts to persuade her, Serenity remained firm.
Soon after, Mr. Tank returned with the nurse and some takeaway lunch. Serenity fed Zachary his meal and waited an additional half hour before asking the nurse to give him the shot.
Mr. Tank didn’t stay long; after delivering lunch, he made an excuse and left. He sensed that Mr. York’s glare had grown more intense when he saw him with the nurse. If looks could kill, Mr. Tank would be dead right now.
It wasn’t as if he had suggested switching the medicine for a shot; that was Mrs. York’s idea. Serenity finished her lunch and said, “Take the first dose now. You can have the second dose after dinner.” “Seren, can I just have one shot?” Zachary pleaded. “No,” she replied firmly. “It hurts. I don’t want it anymore,” he whined. “What can I do?”
“To make you feel better?” Zachary pouted. “I won’t feel better unless I don’t get the jab.” Serenity removed her mask and replied, “I can make your time enjoyable and provide you with something else to think about.” She leaned in closer, but Zachary anticipated her move and halted her. With a smirk, he quickly placed the mask back over her face and said in a raspy voice, “As much as I’d love that, I might just pass my cold to you.”