Chapter 6 - AwakeningInside the hospital room, Ellie stirred.
Her eyelids fluttered open. She blinked against the bright lights, confused by the soft mattress, the rhythmic beep of the heart monitor, and the strange, luxurious surroundings.
She sat up quickly, clutching the blanket. “Where... where am I?”
“You’re safe, Ellie,” a gentle voice said.
Ellie turned her head. Sitting in a chair beside her bed was the tall man from the church basement—Spencer Weston. He wasn't wearing his heavy wool coat anymore; his shirtsleeves were rolled up, and his tie was loosened. He looked tired, but his eyes were filled with a profound, aching warmth.
“Are you... are you going to put me in jail?” Ellie whispered, her lower lip trembling.
Spencer stood up and walked over to the bedside, gently placing his hand over hers.
“Jail?” Spencer smiled softly, though his voice cracked slightly. “Ellie, you didn't commit a crime. You performed a miracle. If it weren't for you, my son could have frozen to death today.”
Ellie blinked. “Wyatt is okay?”
“Wyatt is eating his third bowl of cereal at home right now, asking when he can come play with you,” Spencer assured her. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the gray hoodie—neatly folded, cleaned, and smelling of fresh lavender. He placed it gently on her lap. “And your coat has been returned.”
Ellie touched the soft fabric, a shy smile breaking across her pale face. “Thank you, mister.”
“My name is Spencer,” he said, pulling up a chair and sitting close. “Now, Ellie... tell me about your mom. Where is she?”
Ellie’s smile faded, and she looked down at her hands. “She’s at home. She’s... she’s been sick for a long time. That’s why I was selling the flowers. The medicine costs a lot, and... and we’ve been having trouble with our rent lately, too. Mom said not to worry, that grace always finds a way, but... I think our landlord is a very mean man.”
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Spencer felt a sharp, painful pang in his chest. A very mean man.
He was that man.
