The morning drifted by softly, sunlight slipping across the hotel room floor like slow-moving gold.
The world outside hummed faintly, but inside, everything was still.... peaceful, quiet, almost too calm.
Noah had woken only an hour ago. He'd eaten the light breakfast room service had brought up and taken the medicine left for him.
Now he sat by the window, knees drawn up slightly, watching the city glimmer far below. His body still felt heavy, but the fever was fading.
The vibration of his phone startled him.
Diamant Reed flashed across the screen.
Noah blinked, then quickly picked up. "Good morning, sir."
There was the faint sound of movement on the other end ...papers rustling, the soft clink of a mug.
When Diamant spoke, his voice was calm, even, but laced with quiet concern.
"You sound better."
"I am," Noah replied softly. "The fever's gone. I didn't mean to trouble you last night."
"You didn't," Diamant said shortly. Then, after a pause: "Are you still in the hotel room?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. You're not going anywhere today. My butler will be there in about an hour... he'll take you to my place."
Noah blinked, momentarily lost for words. "Your place?"
Diamant's tone left no room for argument. "You'll rest better there. The guest room's quiet, and the staff will make sure you eat properly."
Noah hesitated, glancing down at his hands. "I really don't want to impose..."
"You're not." A sigh. "You'll be more of a problem if you get sick again because you didn't recover properly."
Noah couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips. He turned his face toward the window, hoping his voice sounded steadier than it felt. "...Alright. Thank you."
For a moment, the line was quiet. He could hear faint noises from Diamant's office ... a pen tapping, the faint murmur of conversation somewhere in the background. Then Diamant spoke again, softer this time.
"I'll be calling a doctor over to examine you later, just to make sure you're fine."
Noah's eyes widened. "That's not necessary..."
"It's not up for discussion," Diamant interrupted, his voice low but firm. "I'd rather know you're alright than guess."
Noah swallowed, the warmth in his chest deepening. "Understood, sir."
There was another pause...the kind that wasn't uncomfortable, just quiet. Then Diamant's voice came again, almost an afterthought:
"Get some rest until the car arrives. And, Noah..."
"Yes?"
A short silence. Then, with that steady, measured tone only Diamant could manage:
"Don't thank me. Just listen."
The call ended with a soft click, and Noah was left staring at his reflection in the darkened phone screen.
The city continued to shine below, indifferent and bright, but he sat there a while longer feeling something softer than warmth spread through his chest.
Noah was seated thinking of how to react when Mr reed comes home.
"or maybe I should make him some muffins, to thank him for yesterday. Or will that seem far fetched, or maybe I should just smile and say a simple thank you. I don't even know".