Towards evening, after accompanying Hardy to dinner and waiting for him to go to sleep, Nicholas and Nathalie returned home.
Lyle was already waiting for them in the hospital yard when they came out and quickly opened the door, taking over Nicholas' cane.
"Are your legs no longer sore?" Nathalie asked.
"No," Nicholas replied. "I took my medicine earlier, after lunch."
Nathalie nodded and they were silent throughout the journey, enjoying the comfortable silence, because of each other's presence.
After arriving home, Nathalie immediately sat on the living room sofa, stretching her sore legs.
Madam Olla approached her. "You must be very tired. Do you want me to make you a warm drink? Chamomile tea would be delicious."
Nathalie looked up and took Madam Olla's hand with a grateful look. "Yes, I would love to, Madam, you are very understanding."
Madam Olla smiled and patted Nathalie's hand gently, then went to the kitchen.