Chapter 41

"Dr. Olson, how've you been these past few days?" Zoe asked, her tone half-teasing as she followed Leroy down the hallway. "I'm jealous you had time off! I've been buried in work here at the hospital." Leroy smiled faintly. "Sounds like it's been tough. Want me to talk to the administration and get you a couple of days off?" he offered. Zoe lit up at the suggestion. "Really? If you can swing that, I'd certainly owe you one!" Leroy chuckled softly. "It wouldn't take much—just a word from the hospital, and they'd approve it in no time." "Ah, but that'd ruin the fun," Zoe said with a grin. "You're the boss here, Dr. Olson. I'll leave it to you." As she looked at him, a flicker of surprise crossed her face. "Wait... you really do seem different. Happier, even. You've been smiling a lot more lately." Leroy raised an eyebrow. "Have I?" he asked, genuinely surprised. Before either of them could continue, a soft knock came at the door, followed by a young nurse stepping in