Page 67 of Love Limits

The picture shifted around until Zhong managed to prop it on something beside his bed.

I lost a resident today. I mean, not one of my patients, but then the other one was in the hospital and… They were signing all over the place, babbling without setting up the locations for either of the people they were talking about so it was all coming out in a confusing jumble.

Slow down. Deep breath.

Ash breathed in obediently.

Good. Now tell me what happened.

Ash told the whole story of Mrs. Grayson. The hippy beads she always wore. The water color paintings with the residents. The messy paper mache class they’d taught together. The way she knew everyone’s name and stopped to speak to every person that she knew. The suddenness of it all.

And then Mr. Isling. The way that he teased most of the nurses, amused if he could pull one over on them. The way he looked forward to every update in Ash’s dating life. His slow speech but quick humor. And then the interminable uncertainty of not knowing what would happen next.

It sounds like you cared a lot about them.

Yeah. They’re both really special to me. I just… I can’t quite wrap my head around it.

I’m here for you. Zhong’s response was immediate. Whatever you need, just let me know.

I was wondering… Mr. Isling’s hospital is kind of near your place. So if I went to visit him…

You can always stay here. You’re welcome any time. We can talk about it, or we can just play board games and snuggle. Whatever you need. I’ve even got some new ice cream.

Ash managed a tiny smile.

The world was starting to right itself. There was still a hole in Ash’s heart alongside that rapid tempo of worry. But at least Zhong was there. Zhong would take care of them.

Thank you. That really means a lot to me. I’ll text you when I’m leaving the hospital.

Zhong shook his head. Text me on your break, too. And when you’re leaving work. Do you want me to drive you over or meet you there?

Zhong was just so endlessly sweet. And such an unconscious Daddy.

It would be so nice to have him there, to just let Zhong take care of everything. But he didn’t know Mr. Isling, and it was completely out of his way. Ash didn’t really need his help. No, thank you. I’ll text you, though.

Good.

It wasn’t “good job, baby” or “good puppy,” but Zhong’s expression said the same thing. He was proud of Ash for letting him take care of them.

That was the only thought that kept them going through the rest of the day.

***

By the time Ash reached Zhong’s apartment, they were exhausted. Just completely drained.

Without a word, Zhong pulled them into a hug. Somehow, without letting go, he settled their overnight bag on the floor and stripped them of their coat.

Oh, yes. That was exactly what they needed right now. Everything was already a thousand times better.

How’s your friend?

Ash pulled back enough to sign, grateful that Zhong still kept an arm around them. Stable. Still being his usual difficult self. He’s getting an automated insulin pump.

So that’s good?

Pretty good. It means he’ll be coming back after another day of observation. I told all of the nurses about his tricks. It just… it gave me a real scare, you know?

What do you need right now?