Chapter 22: Tender Care

The soft glow of lamplight bathed the room in a warm ambiance as Eric carefully helped Olivia through the doorway, her steps delicate and tentative. The hospital visit had left its mark, both physically and emotionally, and now, within the cocoon of their home, Eric aimed to nurture her back to a semblance of normalcy. There is a funny thing about fear. In the depths of the mind, fear takes its stand. A dance with fear, a formidable feat, no conquering no defeat. Olivia thought about these words as he held her as though an egg were about to break. He guided her to the cozy bathroom, where the gentle hum of running water awaited. The tub, filled with warm water and the faint scent of lavender, beckoned like a sanctuary of tranquility. The ambient light cast a gentle play of shadows on the tiles, creating a serene atmosphere that seemed to embrace the tiredness etched on Olivia’s face. “Here we are, love,” Eric murmured, his voice having a soothing undertone as he helped h