The man casually announced, "I''ll hop in the shower first."


    Nathalie blinked in surprise. "Oh."


    Being the easy-going person she was, she didn''t make a fuss about it. "Go ahead."


    He wheeled himself into the bathroom, and soon the sound of running water filled the space. Nathalie wondered why he was so eager to shower first. It wasn''t exactly the most chivalrous move. Yet, she knew from their interactions that he was usually quite a gentleman.


    Before long, he emerged.


    d in ck velvet pajamas, with his hair still slightly damp, his usual aloof demeanor was softened, giving him an unexpected boy-next-door vibe.


    Nathalie chuckled, "Are those sses glued to your face or something?"


    He paused, then sheepishly exined, "Sorry if I look a bit ridiculous. My eyes are sensitive to bright lights."


    Her smile faltered as memories flooded back of a time years ago when Nathan had been viciously attacked, almost losing his sight.


    The doctor had warned of potential retinal detachment, requiring a thorough check-up. But money was tight.


    She couldn''t afford the treatment he needed.


    Nathan had clung to her hand, insisting, "Sis, my eyes are okay. I can see."


    Thankfully, when Nathan returned hometer, his eyesight was back to normal. Otherwise, he might be struggling with vision issues now.


    The weight of her past sadness lingered, but the man lightened the mood with a joke, "And there''s another reason-I look pretty cool in sunsses."


    Nathalie couldn''t help butugh at his humor. "Have you seen a doctor about it? Can it be fixed?"


    He hesitated, his voice dropping. "Actually, I haven''t."


    "Why not?" Nathalie asked, puzzled.


    "My vision only blurs now and then. I can live with it."


    Nathalie was firm. "You really should see a doctor. Not just for you, but for


    everyone who cares about you. If you ignore this, do you know how worried they''ll be?"


    He gazed at her, taken aback, before finally nodding. "Okay."


    Nathalie let out a relieved sigh.


    "Alright, my turn for the shower."


    "Sure thing."


    When Nathalie finished her shower, she noticed the man was already sprawled on the couch, his breathing steady and calm. She was puzzled:


    maybe his hurry to shower first was to leave the master bedroom for


    her?


    "Hey, mister," she whispered.


    No response.


    She muttered to herself, "I didn''t ask for the master bedroom. You practically


    handed it to me."


    Gently turning off the living room light, she tiptoed back to the bedroom.


    In the darkness, the man suddenly opened his eyes.


    A warm smile spread across his face: what a sweet, silly girl.


    That night, Nathalie slept like a baby.


    The next morning, she was surprised at how soundly she had slept.


    In such an unfamiliar ce, and with a stranger no less, she''d slept like a log.


    When did her nerves get so tough?


    After getting ready, Nathalie stepped out of the bedroom.


    The man was already up, dressed neatly, sitting in his wheelchair.


    couch nket was folded tide The


    Nathalie felt a pang of guilt. "Sorry for making you crash on the couchst night. But it''s not entirely my fault. you were out cold; I couldn''t wake you."


    The man replied, "Yeah. I have myself to me."


    His tone was surprisingly gentle.


    Nathalie grinned. "You''re not upset?"


    "How was your sleep?" he asked back. Nathalie replied, "Slept like a rock."