Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl



Esther stayed in the hospital for another week while Pearl worked on a stronger medicine for her.

After a week of treatment, Esther was back to her bubbly self. That weekend, she took Pearl's hand and pleaded, "I've been here for over half a month, and I think I'm almost better. The doctor said my tests are clear seven times, so I'm sure I'm fine now!"Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

She didn't say it out loud, but her expression begged to be let out.

Pearl agreed to her request, knowing Esther wouldn't rest until she was discharged. "Okay. I'll set up a new place for you, but you must promise to stay there and not wander off. Someone will take care of your meals and daily needs."

Esther looked down. "So I'm just moving to another cage?"

"That's not what I meant," Pearl replied. "With the outbreak still severe, it's not safe to roam around."

Esther thought for a moment. "I might as well stay in the hospital then. At least I can get some sun in the garden."

"You can still enjoy the sun in the villa's garden," Pearl reassured her.

Esther sighed. "Alright, but when are you planning to release the new medicine?"

Pearl was surprised Esther was interested in that. "We're launching it tomorrow. What do you think?"

"That's great. How can I help?" Esther was excited about it. She was the first to recover using the new medicine and was eager to share her experience.

"We've worked hard because of you, so we'll definitely involve you," Pearl laughed, seeing Esther's enthusiasm. "There's a press conference tomorrow for the medicine launch. You can come with me."

Esther's face lit up. "Perfect. Should I prepare a speech?"

"Just share how you feel after the treatment and show everyone you're well," Pearl suggested.

Esther nodded eagerly. "Don't worry. I'll do whatever you need me to do."

"Just try not to look too excited, or they might think it's a side effect," Pearl joked.

Esther was momentarily lost for words.

When it was time to leave, Esther packed up. There wasn't much to take since most things were for her treatment. Pearl instructed her team to safely dispose of the used items.

As Esther was leaving, she ran into Tania, the nurse who had cared for her. She hadn't seen Tania much recently but remembered her kindness.

She approached and took Tania's hand with a smile. "Don't worry, I'm all better now, so I won't make you sick," she assured her warmly. "Thanks for everything. You're a wonderful nurse."

Tania was taken aback by Esther's genuine gratitude and felt so guilty she almost knelt down on the floor.

Unaware of Tania's internal conflict, Esther saw only fatigue in her eyes and appreciated her

even more.

"No need to thank me. I'm just doing my job," Tania managed to say, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to smile.