"Exchange contact with Emily… hmm?" Alex silently whispered to himself. It was almost funny how straightforward the system could be when it comes to giving missions.
"What was that, Sweetie?" Claire asked as her attention was drawn back to him.
"Oh, nothing,." Alex chuckled. "I was just excited about the thought that we're going home."
"That's understandable." Claire's face softened. "You've been stuck here for so long. It'll be nice to have you back home, surrounded by familiar things."
"Yeah… and it'll be easier to do the exercises Dr. Reynolds mentioned." Alex nodded.
"Of course. And I'll make sure to prepare everything you need. Plus, your uncle will be thrilled when he comes back and sees you doing better."
"Yes," Alex chuckled, though his focus wasn't on there.
He glanced toward the door, his thoughts drifting back to Emily. He wondered if she already knew that he would go home in 2 days.
Anyway, it doesn't matter since they would meet again later at night.
"Claire, you can go home again later at night."
Claire's brows knitted together. There was a hint of confusion flashing across her face.
"Go home? Sweetie, why are you telling me to leave? I'll stay here and take care of you."
Alex smiled, doing his best to sound casual as usual.
"I know, Claire. But you've been staying here every night, sleeping on that uncomfortable couch. It can't be good for your back. I'm also worried about you."
"That's fine." Claire shook her head, her voice was gentle but firm. Her heart warmed learning that Alex was also worried about her.
"I'm more worried about you than myself. You're the one who needs proper rest and care."
"Claire." Alex sighed, "You've already done so much for me. I just don't want you to push yourself too hard."
"But—"
"Listen," Alex interrupted before she could argue further. "You can use the time to prepare for when I get home. You can clean my room, make sure it's ready for me, and even check out those therapists Dr. Reynolds recommended. I know you'll want to make sure you pick the best one for me, right?"
Claire opened her mouth to respond, but his words seemed to hit the right spot. She looked down at the list of therapists she'd been clutching since Dr. Reynolds handed it to her.
"Well… I suppose you have a point," Claire admitted reluctantly. "It's not like I don't want you to come home to a clean and welcoming room."
"Exactly." Alex smiled, sensing her hesitation melting away. "And you know how particular Richard can be about choosing the best. You can do some research and see who the right fit for me would be. It'll be a lot easier to do that at home."
Claire let out a resigned sigh, her shoulders dropping slightly.
"I just don't like the idea of leaving you alone here, even if it's just for a night."
"I'll be fine. Really." Alex's gaze was steady, reassuring. "I survived yesterday. Also, the nurses are always around, and I'm just going to rest. Besides, I'm being discharged soon anyway."
Claire glanced at him, her expression was still torn between worry and reason.
"You're just trying to make me feel better, aren't you?"
"Maybe." Alex chuckled. "But I'm serious about this. You should go home and take care of things. It's not like you'll be gone forever. And knowing you, you'll probably come back super early tomorrow anyway."
"You know me too well." Claire's lips twitched into a faint smile.
"Yes." Alex grinned. "And I'd feel bad if you kept sleeping on that couch. You deserve a good night's sleep."
"You're making me sound like the patient instead." Claire let out a light laugh.
"Well, you're the one looking after me. It's only fair you get some proper rest, right?"
"Alright, fine. I'll go home tonight. But only because you've convinced me that there's work to be done at the house. And… it is a bit uncomfortable sleeping on that couch." Claire shook her head, finally giving in.
She can admit that it was really uncomfortable to sleep on the couch. It's small and she can't move that much. Also, her big bosoms were getting squeezed in between.
"I knew it." Alex chuckled. "But really, Claire, thank you. And don't worry. I'll be fine."
"Alright, alright, but I'll make sure to be here early tomorrow. I want to be the first person you see when you wake up."
"Yes." Alex nodded, his heart warming at her love.
"You really got me, didn't you?" A soft laugh echoed from Claire, light and genuine, as she shook her head in amusement.
"I guess I've been learning from the best. You've always been good at getting me to do what you want." Alex grinned.
"Yes, Sweetheart," Claire laughed again and stepped closer to him.
With a tenderness only a mother could show, she leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead.
"You're growing up so fast, Alex. Making me proud every day."
"Thanks, Claire." Alex's voice softened. However, his eyes immediately landed on Claire's bosoms, which were only partially hidden because she was wearing a low-cut shirt.
When Claire saw it, she straightened up, but she didn't fix her clothes.
"I'll let you touch it later, Sweetheart," Claire uttered with understanding. She knew that Alex was growing up and it was better that she was the one teaching these things than others.
"I'll go outside and share the good news with your uncle first… and maybe Mia and Sienna too. Everyone's been so worried about you."
"Sure " Alex calmly answered though he had gotten excited at the thought that he'd be able to touch Claire's big mountains again.
It was finally the time to try his new skill.
'I have this, and later at night…'
Alex's eyes flickered with so much anticipation.
[Ding!]
[New Mission Alert!]
[Mission: Try Your New Skill.]
[Objective: Try your new skill by making Claire feel good.]
[Reward: +3% Recovery Boost & Improves relationship with Claire by +2 ]