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After dinner, I return to my room. This time, my dad helps me once I say goodbye to Tristan, and he promises to return tomorrow to check on me. I want to roll my eyes, but it’s endearing that he’s being so caring.
We need to have a serious conversation, but not until I’m completely over this flare-up. I can only focus on one thing at a time, and right now, my health is more important.
Soon, we’ll have to face the music.
Or the heartbreak, considering how I’ve been feeling lately.
It’s going to be one sad melody.
My flare-up lasted five days. Tristan came to my house every day to check on me, talk to me, and just be there with me. I’ve never felt safer or more cared for by someone outside of my family or Daisy.
Normally, people run the other way when they realize my disease isn’t a joke or an excuse.
Not Tristan. He stayed. It makes the pain in my chest grow tighter.
Hope and Toby’s wedding is tomorrow. Tristan’s birthday is two weeks after that. We’re so close to the finish line that I’ve added numbing cream to the pain over my heart. I’m determined to see this through for him. He deserves it.
It won’t be the first time I lose someone I care for.
Tristan is different.
“Oh, shush,” I tell my conscience.
I walk into work, hoping Elizabeth isn’t upset that I’ve had to miss five days. She’s aware of my health situation, but it’s still nerve-wracking, especially since I had already requested tomorrow off for the wedding.
Not to mention my nerves are already on high alert due to the wedding. I considered canceling after my flare-up. Tristan gave me an out, telling me he would understand. But I figure if I can work today, I can attend the wedding.
“Hey.” Julie smiles at me when I walk behind the counter.
“Hi.”
“Are you feeling better?” She glances at me before charging the customer who just ordered.
“I am, thanks.”
“Good to see you, Sage,” a regular customer calls from her table.
“Thanks.” I wave at her.
“Sage?” Elizabeth peeks her head out from the kitchen door.
“Hi,” I smile tentatively.
“Hi, glad you’re here. Come in so we can talk.” She nods and goes back into the kitchen.
Julie and I exchange a look. I take a deep breath and settle my nerves before meeting with Elizabeth. She’s elbows-deep in dough but smiles when I walk in. Normally, she leaves all the pastries prepared before opening time.
“How are you feeling?” She pauses what she’s doing and looks at me.
“Good—better.” I nod. “I’m sorry it took so many days. I never know how long a flare-up will last, but it’s typically two days. I wasn’t expecting five.” I hope she believes me.
“Sage, you don’t need to excuse your health. I wanted to make sure you’re okay and not back to work too soon.”
My eyebrows slowly lift as I stare at her. My mouth drops, speechless. She laughs and washes her hands.
“Health is our priority. I never want my employees to feel like they can’t take care of themselves or that I don’t care about them.”
“Thank you,” I choke out.
