The Greatest Showman #753 - Late Night Visit

"She'll be okay, right?"

"Yes, she's fine now. In fact, she's doing much better."

After arriving at the hospital, Renly asked the nurse at the counter about Lauren's condition and received a reassuring answer. A slight relief washed over his exhausted face. As he turned to leave, the nurse at the counter called out to him. Renly paused, casting a curious glance over his shoulder.

The nurse hesitated briefly before flashing a cautious smile. She took out a notebook from behind the counter, eyes gleaming as she spoke softly, "Renly, could I get your autograph? I'm a huge fan of yours."

It was an unexpected moment, but Renly raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Of course," he said. He took the pen from her and was about to write when he paused, glancing at her eager expression. "Can I ask you something first?"

The nurse looked at him, surprised but nodded.

"How did you know me? Which of my works do you like?" Renly asked. "I mean, I'm curious—most people mistake me for Ryan Gosling."

The nurse chuckled at his playful remark.

It was true—many people would join in the frenzy of celebrity sightings without actually knowing who the celebrity was. It was more about the thrill of being part of the crowd. Renly had noticed this back at the airport and even at tonight's premiere in New York.

"'Love is Crazy,'" the nurse said, eyes sparkling. "Jacob's eyes are just… perfect. I can't stop thinking about them."

Renly chuckled, still amused by her excitement.

"But it's not just me," the nurse continued, almost breathless. "The whole department loved the film. We were arguing about Jacob and Anna all day yesterday, how they missed out on being together—how in love they were."

Renly blinked in surprise.

He hadn't expected such a response. "Love is Crazy" was a niche indie film, not a typical crowd-pleaser. Like other emotionally intense films such as "Blue Valentine" or "One Day," it was a love story tinged with tragedy, often leaving audiences divided. Yet, it seemed to be performing better than expected. The movie had already surpassed $100 million at the North American box office, which was impressive for a film targeting a smaller audience.

Renly quickly finished the autograph and handed the notebook back to the nurse. "I hope your shift goes smoothly," he said with a warm smile before turning to leave.

The nurse watched him disappear around the corner and then glanced down at the page, where the words "We can't be together, but that doesn't mean we don't love each other. We love each other, but it doesn't mean we can be together. That's life. — Renly Hall" were written in his flowing script.

She stared at the words, lost in thought. She couldn't resist the urge to rush back to the theater to see "Love is Crazy" again—even though she had already watched it three times.

It was past midnight now, and the hospital hallways were quiet. Renly's footsteps softened as he approached Lauren's room. Nathan and Roy had signaled that they would wait in the lounge area, so Renly went on alone. He was certain that Lauren was resting by now, and he didn't want to disturb her; he only hoped to check in on her from outside her room. Time was tight in New York, and Renly knew he might not have another chance to see her before he left.

Just as he approached the door to Lauren's room, a door nearby creaked open. Renly noticed a figure struggling to get out, only to find a wheelchair stuck in the doorway, blocking the way. It was a delicate situation, with the wheelchair repeatedly hitting the doorframe.

Renly moved quickly and whispered, "Let me help. I'll open the door for you."

The person in the wheelchair seemed flustered and unable to maneuver it properly. After a brief struggle, Renly was able to open the door, and both of them paused, staring at each other in surprise.

Renly couldn't help but chuckle. "Are you okay? Shouldn't you be resting? I heard a good night's sleep is key to recovering."

In front of him was none other than Lauren.

Lauren appeared surprisingly well, with rosy cheeks and bright eyes. There was no trace of illness in her face. However, the sight of her out of bed and in a wheelchair was a bit unexpected.

Lauren froze for a moment, unprepared for Renly's sudden appearance. Then, flustered, she covered her cheeks with her hands. "Oh my God! I'm not wearing makeup! I look terrible—this is so embarrassing! You shouldn't have seen me like this!"

Renly smiled, bemused. He didn't quite understand why Lauren was so worried about her appearance, especially considering her health.

"But," he teased, "if I leave now, would you rather I give you some space? I can come back when you're… ready."

Lauren sighed dramatically, dropping her hands. "No… No, it's fine. What are you doing here at this hour? You know, I wasn't expecting a visitor."

"I'm just here to check in on the patient," Renly replied with a grin. "What about you? Shouldn't you be asleep?"

Lauren hesitated. "I'm hungry. I haven't eaten since lunch, and I fell asleep and woke up starving."

Renly raised an eyebrow. "Didn't the doctor consider your meals? Are you allowed to eat?"

Lauren laughed, but the expression quickly turned tense. "I'm not having surgery, so yes, I can eat, but…" She winced as she laughed, and Renly quickly raised his hands in surrender. "Sorry, I'll keep it down."

Lauren managed a small smile, but it was clear that her discomfort was genuine.

Renly looked around the room. "Where's your family?"

Lauren looked sheepish. "I didn't tell my mom. I said I was going to a friend's place for a pajama party…" Her voice trailed off.

Renly blinked in realization. "So, you're underage?"

Lauren didn't answer, but her embarrassed expression said it all. Renly chuckled. "Shouldn't the hospital have asked for your guardian's signature for the treatment?"

Lauren simply stuck her tongue out, a quirky grin on her face.

Not pressing further, Renly walked behind her and began to push the wheelchair. "Alright then, what would you like to eat? My treat."

Lauren looked at him, stunned. "Wait—why are you…? I mean, it's not your fault tonight. You're a victim too."

Renly smiled. "Well, it's time for some victim bonding, right? I can't be in the hospital bed with you, but I can at least help you get some food. Otherwise, there might be rumors of me abusing my fans online tomorrow."

His playful comment made Lauren laugh, though she quickly stifled it. Renly immediately realized his mistake. "Careful! You don't want to tear your wound open again."

Lauren gave him a look of mock indignation, yet her smile remained. "Master!"

For Lauren, it would be a sleepless night, and for the rest of the premiere's attendees, the excitement would continue to grow. Online, the buzz about "My Me" was escalating into a massive storm, sweeping across the internet.

4o mini