You Two Know Each Other?

Alex's recovery has been going well so far. When Sunday came, his room became livelier. The whole Adam's family was there, even Richard who rarely had time.

"You're looking better, lil bro," Sienna said as a burst of soft laughter followed. "I was starting to think you just wanted to be spoiled."

Mia silently nodded as she scrolled through her phone. "Yeah, me too. I was starting to think that Alex just wanted our love and care all this time." She joked around.

"Oh yeah, totally. Best vacation ever." Alex rolled his eyes which made the two laugh.

"Hey, don't say that to Alex." Claire chuckled. She was cutting some fruits on one side. Since Alex's accident, she has tried to incorporate healthier food into their meal.

"Yes, listen to your mother, kids." Richard agreed. He was sitting on the couch, reading a newspaper that the hospital provides every day.

It has almost been a week since Richard saw Alex

Richard glanced around the room, taking in the sight of his family together. A small smile rose to his lips, feeling the warmth of their family. He had been so busy with work that he barely spent time with his family.

Because of that, his life has slightly become dull, even his relationship with Claire. It has been years since they last did anything together. 

For them, what mattered more was the well-being of their family. Their happiness now comes from seeing everyone like this—laughing and teasing each other. He felt truly happy to see that everyone was now doing fine, even Alex.

"I'm so bored, Alex!" Sienna's loud voice suddenly sounded. She stood up and placed her hand on her waist.

"Mother, did you bring the cards I asked you to bring?" Sienna asked as she pouted. She turned her head and walked towards Claire to help her a little bit.

"Yes, I did. It's in my bag. You can get it there, Sweetie." Claire answered in a sweet voice.

"Alright," Sienna nodded though she didn't go to get it. Instead, her gaze fell upon Mia.

"Pst. Mia. Get it for me." She commanded like a real eldest sister.

Mia looked at Sienna in disbelief. But when she saw that her sister was helping their mom, then she didn't complain. She sighed and stood up to go near Alex since their mother's bag was at the end of his bed.

Mia grabbed the deck of cards from their mother's bag and tossed it to Sienna. "Here. Now stop being lazy."

Sienna caught it easily and grinned. "Thanks, my dear hardworking little sister."

Mia just rolled her eyes and climbed back onto the couch, sitting cross-legged. "Let's just play already."

"Alright, you two. Let's play. You don't have any choice." Sienna sat beside Alex with a grin on her face.

"Fine, fine," Alex sighed before shaking his head. He always hated cards since he always lost. But today, he doesn't have any choice since all of them were bored to the core.

"Alright, let's start with something simple. How about a game of Crazy Eights?" Sienna looked at them with expectation in her eyes.

"Fine by me," Alex said, adjusting himself on the bed. He was starting to feel much better, so a game with the two actually sounded fun.

"Fine by me too!" Mia excitedly uttered before running towards them. The two surrounded Alex's bed, sitting at both of his sides so they wouldn't disturb his legs.

Sienna shuffled the deck with a playful smirk, dealing the cards swiftly. She was already used to it since the three of them always played together.

"Alright, let's see if our dear patient has any luck today."

"I doubt it." Alex sighed, already expecting defeat. He knows he sucks at this game.

Mia chuckled. "Don't be so negative, Alex. Maybe being stuck in bed gave you magical card powers."

"Maybe," Alex scoffed, making the three of them laugh.

After a few seconds, they started the game, laying their cards down one by one. Sienna was competitive as always, planning her moves carefully. Mia was more relaxed but still determined to win.

Alex, on the other hand, was surprisingly not doing too bad this time.

"Oho?" Sienna raised an eyebrow as Alex placed a card down. "Look at you, actually playing well."

"I told you, hospital bed magic," Mia teased, nudging Alex lightly.

Claire watched them from the side with a smile before placing a plate of sliced fruit on the small table beside them. "Eat some while you play."

"Alright," the three said in unison before returning to their game.

Richard glanced up from his newspaper, watching the scene unfold. It had been a long time since their family had spent a day like this, just enjoying each other's company, free from any worries.

As the game went on, the laughter grew louder. Alex miraculously won a round, making Sienna dramatically fall back in disbelief.

"Did Alex really won?" Sienna's jaw fell as she pointed at him.

Alex grinned, suddenly feeling cocky.

"What can I say? I'm too good compared to you two."

For all the times he had been teased, this was the only chance he had to talk back to them.

"Tsk." Mia shook her head. "Just watch how I will smoke you."

However, before they could start another round, the door suddenly opened. In there, a nurse stepped inside, holding a clipboard.

The nurse was familiar.

In a second, Alex realized who it was.

It was Emily.

After 5 days, the girl was finally back.

"Mr. Alex—Oh!" Emily's eyes widened when she realized that Alex wasn't alone. Her usual composed expression faltered for a brief moment as she took in the sight of his entire family.

For a second, her gaze met Alex's.

Alex's eyes were staring at her. He didn't know that she already returned.

"Mr. Alex Collins…" Emily quickly recovered, clearing her throat as she glanced down at her clipboard. "I'm just here to do some round checking," She hesitated, then forced a polite smile.

"Alright," Alex nodded stiffly.

Sienna and Mia glanced between the two, immediately sensing that there was something odd.

"You two know each other?" Sienna asked, raising an eyebrow.