Veronica wasn't taken aback when she spotted Sabrina at the hospital entrance. She extended her hand to gently ruffle the girl's hair. "Did you come straight from school?"
"Yes!" Sabrina beamed with excitement at seeing Veronica. Then she turned to Cook, calling out affectionately, "Nana."
Just as Cook acknowledged her granddaughter's greeting, Cullen emerged from the hospital room.
Upon noticing the visitors, he offered a slight nod in acknowledgment.
Mary maintained her cool demeanor, choosing not to speak.
Veronica barely spared Cullen a glance before averting her eyes.
Noticing that Sabrina seemed eager to talk to her, Veronica quickly said, "Granny and I will head in to check on your Nana first."
"Okay..." Sabrina reluctantly suppressed whatever she wanted to say.
She reached for Veronica's hand, holding it tightly as they entered the hospital room together.
Cullen gathered the flowers and fruit basket they'd brought and followed them inside.
Cook's face brightened with genuine surprise when she saw Veronica and Mary. "What a pleasant surprise to see you both here."
When she tried to sit up despite obvious discomfort, Mary rushed to stop her. "Don't strain yourself. How could you not tell us something this serious happened?"
Cook's smile dimmed slightly. She glanced at Cullen, who was busy pouring water for the visitors, and said quietly, "I felt too ashamed to face you..."
Veronica and Mary accepted the water Cullen offered them.
"This situation is between them," Mary reassured her. "Nobody blames you for anything."
"But I—" Cook stopped mid-sentence, noticing Sabrina's presence and deciding against saying more.
Mary patted her hand gently. "I understand."
After a few moments of light conversation, Cook's attention shifted to Veronica.
Since the last school event, Sabrina hadn't seen Veronica. Now, she clung to her, even attempting to climb onto her lap by squeezing between her legs.
Veronica had no alternative but to set her cup down and lift the child onto her lap.
Noticing Mary's gaze, Veronica softly addressed her, "Granny."
"Yes!" Mary's expression immediately warmed with a smile.
With Sabrina present, they carefully avoided any discussion about Veronica and Cullen's situation. The conversation remained focused on Cook's health condition.
Cook explained everything in detail. When Mary learned about the surgery scheduled for tomorrow, she immediately offered, "I'll come keep you company."
"That would mean the world to me, dear friend."
Having Mary there for conversation would help ease Cook's anxiety.
After chatting for a while, Cook suddenly remembered something important. "Have you two eaten yet? Cullen, why don't you arrange—"
"No need," Mary interjected promptly. "Veronica and I already had dinner before coming here."
She then addressed Cullen coolly, "If you and Sabrina haven't eaten, you should go get something."
Sabrina, who hadn't shared a meal with Veronica in quite some time, immediately clung to Veronica's neck. "Mom, I've missed you so much. Please come eat with us?"
Memories of what she had witnessed the previous night flashed through Veronica's mind. She lowered her gaze, offering only a faint smile.
She gently declined the invitation. "I've had an exhausting workday and don't feel like walking around. You two should go ahead without me."
Hearing this, Sabrina couldn't insist further. However, as she nestled in Veronica's embrace, breathing in her familiar scent, she found herself reluctant to leave the comfort of those arms.