Episode 5

On the next day, Helena wakes up to Mateo's kisses, she looks at him sleepily, making him smile.

Mateo: Good morning, beautiful. Shall we wake up?

Helena: Good morning.

Mateo: I have to go to the hospital, do you want me to drop you off at home?

Helena: Yes.

Mateo: Alright, I'll leave you there then. I'll take a shower.

Helena: Okay.

While Mateo takes a shower, Helena dozes off. He comes out of the bathroom and sees her sleeping, he walks up to her with a smile and wakes her up. Helena goes to take a shower, while Mateo gets ready and prepares breakfast.

They eat and leave. Helena's house is not too far, so they arrive quickly.

Mateo: I loved our night.

Helena: Me too, good work.

Mateo: Thank you, good work to you too.

Helena: Thank you, I'll text you later.

Mateo: Okay, are you going to the hospital today?

Helena: Only tomorrow.

Mateo: Alright.

He gives her a kiss, Helena leaves. She enters her house but only grabs the car keys and leaves immediately.

Helena goes to the Gutierrez mansion, and when she arrives, she takes a deep breath and rings the doorbell.

Otavio: Good morning.

Helena: Good morning.

Otavio: Come in, would you like to have breakfast with us?

Helena: No, thank you. I already had.

William was at the table having breakfast, he becomes serious. Helena waits in the living room, placing a few items on the floor that she'll need.

William takes a while, maybe intentionally, and then he sighs and goes to the living room with a mocking expression.

William: Haven't you gotten tired of waiting, Doctor?

Helena: No, Mr. William, good morning. Shall we begin?

William: Why don't you take the day off?

Helena: I'm fine here, sir.

William: Ugh.

Helena: Did you take your medication correctly?

William.... puts on a poker face

Juliana: Yes, he did, my dear.

Helena: That's good.

Otavio: We'll leave you alone, just call us if you need anything.

Helena: Alright.

They leave, William still has a poker face. Helena sits on the mat and looks at him before starting.

Helena: I'm sorry for yesterday, I was rude. That's not who I am, but I was a little upset with your words. I don't like it when someone gives up when there are still chances.

William: Feeling guilty, Doctor?

Helena: Yes, but I insist on asking you not to give up. I guarantee you that you will walk again, and when that happens, you can do whatever you want. I know there's something behind this that hurts, but you can't stop your life or it will only bring more suffering. Give me a chance to help you?

William: Are you trying to help me or are you just looking for prestige because of my last name, Doctor?

Helena: Do you know who I am?

William: You tell me.

Helena: Helena Armani.

William: Ah, we have an Armani here. Now I see where the audacity comes from.

Helena: Please, I already apologized. I told you my last name to show that it's not about prestige. I don't need that because I'm already highly regarded for my work. I have never used my last name and have always worked hard for my future. I wouldn't be here today if I hadn't fought for it. No one believed in me, no one supported me, Mr. William. Look at your family, you have support from everyone. Your family loves you and wants the best for you, so cherish that. Get better to live by their side and do what you love again.

He remains silent, Helena sighs realizing that nothing has changed. She removes his sandals and stretches his legs, William looks away, but when he feels discomfort, he looks at her.

Helena stops immediately, she looks at him as she lowers his leg, and then she starts on the other leg. William watches her touches from afar, he didn't know if her hands were gentle, but he believed they were.

William: What's the most difficult case you've had?

Helena: ....

She stays silent for a while.

Helena: Let's continue with the stretching.

William: Why don't you answer my question, Doctor?

Helena: I can't talk about my patients. Let's continue.

William: It's not just me who has a troubled past.

Helena: Are you ready to get up from the chair?

William: No.

Helena: That's alright, I'll respect your time.

William: You said you can't force me, so if I want to stop now, I'll stop.

Helena: Yes, I can't force you.

Helena continues with the exercises, when he feels pain she makes it go away, they remain silent until it's over.

Helena: Feeling pain is part of the treatment, keep taking the medication to relax your muscles, you're doing well.

William's parents enter the room, Helena was packing her things.

Otavio: Are you done already?

Helena: Yes, for today that's all.

William: I didn't say if we will continue, Doctor.

Otavio: What do you mean?

Juliana: You can't stop, son. You have to keep going, oh my God... getting nervous

Helena: I'm sorry, but I can't force him. I talked to Mr. Otavio, it would be much harder to do the exercises if he doesn't want to. It will only bring pain and could get worse.

Juliana: My love, don't give up, please, don't do this.

Juliana gets nervous, she begs through tears, Helena packs her things, William remains silent, with a stern face.

Helena: I'm leaving. If he feels any pain, it's normal. Keep giving him the medication.

Otavio: Helena, don't give up. We need you, he needs the physical therapy.

Helena: Otavio, I understand that you want the best for your son, but understand that I can't do this alone.

Otavio: It's okay, I understand. You were my last hope.

Helena: Take care, goodbye.

Helena leaves, William remains silent in the room, Otavio goes to Juliana who was crying next to William.

Otavio: Darling, don't cry, because we did everything we could. If this is what you want, William, then so be it.

I thought my son was here, but he died inside. If you don't think about us, let alone yourself, it's a shame to see that you don't value the chances that life gives you or appreciate life. If you want to stay in that wheelchair, then so be it. I hope it makes you feel better.

Otavio takes Juliana to their room, William stays in the living room. He grabs a pitcher and throws it on the floor, not knowing if it's anger, sadness, or guilt.

***This work has been signed with NovelToon, and piracy such as reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***