As I signed the last discharge papers, a heavy weight seemed to lift off my shoulders. Turning towards the door, there she was. Penelope, standing just outside, her gaze anchored to the floor. The sight of her sent a wave of relief through me, so intense it was almost physical, like a punch to the gut. Shakily, I stood up, feeling the soreness of my muscles protest, but I pushed through it. My steps towards her were hesitant yet determined. As the distance closed between us, she looked up, a clear storm in her eyes. Reaching her, I felt a surge of something that felt like hope. As I reached out, she put her hands up my chest, signaling me to stop. Her touch was electrifying, even in rejection, evoking mixed emotions. "No," she whispered, not meeting my eyes. I let out a sigh, heavy with a cocktail of emotions. "Okay, I get it," I murmured. "Let's go home?" We silently walked down to the waiting car, the air thick with unspoken words and tension. I couldn't help but feel elated a
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