Ida felt like she was caught between a rock and a hard place as she released a sigh of defeat. "Mr. Howard, you should be resting. I didn't mean to disturb you at this time."
McNeil, with a smile, shook his head. "It's alright. It’s nice that Byran has a girlfriend now. My spirits are lifted."
Ida remained silent, giving a slight nod as a gesture of respect. "I'll take my leave then; I'll come visit again some other time."
With that, she turned to leave the ward.
Now that his girlfriend was about to leave, Byran quickly said to his father, "Dad, I'm going to walk her out."
McNeil nodded with a progressive smile on his face. "Sure, go ahead."
Byran seemed unsure. "Dad, you..."
McNeil understood his son's concern and shook his head. "Don't worry, I promise I won't do anything foolish."
Only then did Byran feel slightly reassured. He stepped out quickly to catch up with Ida.
In the hospital corridor.
Byran caught up with Ida and took her hand. "Ida, you're already here; why leave so soon? Can't you stay with me a bit longer?"
"We haven’t settled the matter of your lies yet, and you're asking me to stay?"
Byran chuckled awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck. "Ida, didn't I already explain? Can't you see that I lied because I was so eager to see you?"
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