6:A HEARTFELT EVENING

Ivy and her father, David, continued their conversation, discussing his research and the progress he was making. Ivy listened intently, her eyes sparkling with interest.

"I'm really proud of you, Dad," Ivy said sincerely. "Your work sounds amazing."

David smiled, his heart swelling with pride. "Thank you, Ivy. It means a lot to hear that from you."

Just then, Elena chimed in, her voice playful. "Have you two forgotten that I'm still here?" she asked, chuckling.

Ivy and David turned to look at her, both bursting into laughter. "Sorry, Mum," Ivy said, still giggling. "We got a bit carried away."

Elena joined in the laughter, the sound filling the room with warmth. "It's okay. I love seeing you two so happy."

After a while, it was time for them to leave. "We'll come pick you up tomorrow, Ivy," David promised, giving her a reassuring smile.

Elena nodded, leaning in to give Ivy a hug. "Get some rest, sweetheart. We'll see you tomorrow."

Ivy hugged them both tightly. "I will. Send my regards to Liam."

"We will," David said, giving her one last squeeze before they left.

Not long after they left, a nurse entered the room. Ivy noticed that it wasn't Nurse Emily, who usually took care of her. This nurse had a kind face, with warm brown eyes and a gentle smile. She wore a name tag that read "Nurse Sophie."

"Hello, Ivy," Nurse Sophie said, her voice soothing. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay," Ivy replied, a bit puzzled. "Where's Nurse Emily?"

"Nurse Emily had to attend to something urgently," Nurse Sophie explained. "I'll be taking care of you for now."

Ivy nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. "Okay. Thank you, Nurse Sophie."

Nurse Sophie noticed the bag of items Elena had brought for Ivy. "Would you like some help sorting through these?" she asked.

"Yes, please," Ivy said, grateful for the assistance.

Together, they went through the bag, organizing the items. Nurse Sophie carefully placed Ivy's clothes, toiletries, and other personal items within easy reach. "There, all set," she said with a smile.

"Thank you so much," Ivy said, feeling more comfortable with everything in order.

Nurse Sophie then checked Ivy's vitals, her movements efficient yet gentle. "Everything looks good, Ivy. Just let me know if you need anything."

"I will," Ivy said, smiling. "Thank you."

Nurse Sophie glanced at the clock. "Would you like to take a bath now? I can help you if you need."

Ivy nodded. "Yes, please. I think I can manage most of it myself now."

"Great," Nurse Sophie said, helping Ivy to the bathroom. She made sure the water temperature was just right and laid out all the necessary items. "I'll be right here if you need any help."

Ivy appreciated the support but felt a sense of accomplishment as she managed to bathe herself. She was getting stronger every day, and this small victory felt significant. After finishing, she called out, "I'm done, Nurse Sophie."

Nurse Sophie helped Ivy back to her bed, ensuring she was comfortable. "You did great, Ivy. Just keep taking it one step at a time."

"Thank you," Ivy said, feeling a renewed sense of hope and determination.

After her bath, Ivy dressed herself in the comfortable clothes her mother had brought. It felt good to be in her own clothes again, a small taste of normalcy.

Nurse Sophie then brought in Ivy's dinner, a health-friendly meal consisting of baked salmon, quinoa salad, and a side of steamed broccoli. Ivy ate with a good appetite, appreciating the nutritious food.

Once she finished her meal, Ivy took her phone and checked her inbox. Her phone was a sleek, modern Samsung Galaxy S21 in a phantom violet color. The stylish and vibrant look of the phone always brought a smile to her face. She loved how it felt in her hand, with its smooth edges and glossy finish. The large, high-resolution screen made it perfect for reading messages, watching videos, and browsing the internet.

Ivy smiled as she saw messages from her friends and family, all sending their love and support. She replied to a few, feeling connected to the world outside the hospital. Among the messages was one from Jake, just as he had promised.

Jake: Hey babe, how are you feeling now? I miss you already.

Ivy's heart warmed as she read his message. She quickly typed a reply.

Ivy: Hi babe! I'm feeling much better. I miss you too. Thank you for visiting today. It meant a lot to me.

Jake: I'm glad to hear that. I can't wait to have you back home. We have so many plans to catch up on.

Ivy: I know! I'm looking forward to it. And I'm so excited about being discharged tomorrow.

Jake: That's fantastic news! We'll celebrate once you're home. Just take it easy, okay?

Ivy: I will. Thank you for always being there for me, babe. I love you.

Jake: I love you too, Ivy. Always. Get some rest and dream sweet dreams. I'll text you in the morning.

Ivy: Goodnight, babe. Sweet dreams.

Feeling a sense of contentment, Ivy put her phone aside and reached for her diary. She opened it to a fresh page and began to write about the past few days, capturing the moments of joy, the visits from her friends and family, and the hope she felt for the future.

Writing in her diary always helped her process her thoughts and emotions.she finished writing, Ivy felt her eyelids grow heavy. She closed her diary and placed it on the bedside table, then settled back into her pillows. The events of the day played through her mind, and she felt a deep sense of gratitude for the love and support surrounding her.

She thought about Jake and how much his visit had lifted her spirits. She thought about her parents, always there for her, and her friends who had brought so much joy into her day. The thought of being discharged the next day filled her with happiness and anticipation.

With a peaceful smile, Ivy drifted off to sleep, ready to face whatever challenges the next day would bring.