NOVEL NEXT Chapter 27: Shopping
Arthur stood outside Charlotte's room.
Taking a deep breath, he straightened his back and forced a smile onto his face.
'She needs to see a strong person beside her,'
'No hesitation or fear.'
He pushed the door open gently and stepped inside to find Charlotte lying on the bed, her gaze on the window.
She seemed lost in thought, her eyes following the drifting clouds or perhaps staring beyond them entirely.
"Charlotte," Arthur said softly, walking closer. "How are you feeling? Are you tired or anything?"
She turned her head to look at him and shook her head slowly, her expression calm but unreadable.
Arthur nodded, his smile unwavering. "I just paid the money for your treatment, and the doctor said we'll need to move to a new room now. Are you okay with doing that, or do you want to rest for a while and move later?"
Charlotte tilted her head slightly, considering, before letting her feet slip out from under the thin hospital blanket.
She stood up carefully, and with a small gesture of her hand, she signed.
"Let's go now."
Arthur nodded, keeping a smile on his face. "Alright, I'll let the nurse know."
Arthur spoke with the nurse at the reception desk, who made arrangements to move them.
A team arrived shortly after with a wheelchair for Charlotte, but she waved it off, insisting on walking.
Arthur stayed by her side, ready to help if she needed it.
They were led to another section of the department, one quieter and less crowded.
As they approached the door to Charlotte's new room, Arthur's eyes caught the subtle details of the area—the polished floors, the soft lighting, the lack of the constant sound of machinery and footsteps.
When the nurse opened the door, Arthur couldn't help but blink in surprise.
The room was spacious, far more luxurious than the old room.
A large, comfortable hospital bed sat in the centre. Beside it, a plush armchair and a convertible guest bed waited, clearly meant for family members.
A flat-screen TV hung on the wall opposite the bed, already on a calming nature channel.
A small round table near the beds held a basket of fresh fruits.
Apples, bananas, oranges, and even a few rare imported ones like dragon fruit—wrapped in transparent plastic and tied with a ribbon.
There was even a small counter equipped with a coffee machine and a selection of teas and snacks.
'That's quite the hospitality,' Arthur thought, 'But then again, it does cost $20,000.'
The room felt more like a high-end hotel room than a hospital.
Arthur glanced at Charlotte. He saw her hand reach for the edge of the hospital bed, her fingers brushing against the smooth, soft linens as if she were testing the quality.
"Well," Arthur said, breaking the silence, "this is... definitely better than the last room." He chuckled lightly, trying to lift the mood. "They've even got snacks. Fancy ones."
Charlotte gave a faint smile, her gaze lingering on the fruit basket for a moment before moving to the window.
She didn't say—or sign—anything. But a faint hint of appreciation showed in her expression.
Arthur walked over to the guest bed, pressing on it lightly. "Not bad," he said to himself. "I guess this is my spot now." He turned to Charlotte, his tone more serious.
"If you need anything, just let me know. This place seems like it's got everything."
Charlotte nodded slowly, sitting down on the edge of her new bed. She looked out the window again, her hands resting in her lap.
Arthur sat down on the guest bed, watching her quietly for a moment.
Time slowly passed by with neither of them speaking.
**
After some time, Arthur finally stopped hesitating.
Leaning forward, he finally broke the silence.
"Hey," he said softly, drawing her attention. "I'd like to take you somewhere."
Charlotte turned her head, her brows lifting slightly in curiosity. She signed quickly, "Where?"
Arthur grinned a playful glint in his eyes. "That's a secret," he said with a light chuckle.
Charlotte blinked at him before nodding slightly, a small smile on her face.
She lifted her hands again, signing slowly. "Alright. But I need to go to the toilet first."
Arthur nodded, standing. "Sure. I'll wait for you."
After Charlotte returned, Arthur took her hand gently and led her out of the hospital.
Their first stop was a nearby clothing store that was nearby.
Stepping inside, Arthur looked around, already forming a plan in his mind. He turned to Charlotte with a grin.
"Alright," he said. "Do you want me to choose for you, or do you want to pick?"
Charlotte met his gaze, then pointed at him without hesitation.
"Alright, I'll choose," he said, smiling confidently. He started walking through the aisles, his eyes scanning the racks with focus.
First, he picked out a NorthFace jacket, a durable and well-insulated coat perfect for keeping her warm. "This one will protect you from the cold," he said, holding it up for her approval. Charlotte tilted her head slightly but nodded, trusting his choice.
Next, he grabbed three packs of winter socks, their soft, thick material designed for ultimate warmth. "These are a must," he said, placing them in the shopping basket.
They moved to the undergarments section, where Arthur awkwardly gestured for her to choose.
Charlotte rolled her eyes slightly, a faint smirk playing on her lips as she selected a few items. Arthur quickly grabbed the basket again, moving to the next section.
In the pyjama section, he found a set of comfortable, fleece-lined pyjamas for colder nights. "These are perfect for staying cosy," he said, adding them to the growing pile.
When they had finished, Arthur saw the worried look in Charlotte's eyes as she glanced at the items in the basket. She lifted her hands hesitantly.
"Isn't this too much? I feel like I'm being a burden."
"Don't ever think like that again, you are my only family in this world. Everything I do is for both of us, money is nothing. Besides..."
Arthur crouched slightly, leaning close to her ear. "Don't worry," he whispered, his voice light but firm. "Your brother is a top player. I've made lots of money in the game."