After I finally calmed Aeri down with a lot of effort, she stopped crying and her breathing became normal again. I stayed with her for a while, just holding her and brushing her hair until she felt better. Then I ordered some simple food for both of us from the hospital canteen. When the food arrived, we ate together quietly in the room.
The doctor had told her to take complete rest for three days. During that time, I decided to stay with Aeri the whole time and help her with everything. She looked too drained and weak to do anything by herself now.
I sat on the chair beside her bed with a plate of rice and some curry. I scooped up a spoonful of rice, blew on it gently to cool it down, and held it in front of her mouth.
"Here… aaa…" I said softly, bringing the spoon closer.
Aeri looked at the spoon and then at me, her cheeks turning pink. "I can eat by myself…" she said shyly, sitting up a little on the bed.
