Bastian
Chapter Odette's Diary 1 - January 31st

✧Nursing Diary (1)✧

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

January 31st

A week had passed since the day Bastian awoke from his long slumber, and his prognosis was not unfavourable. The doctors had managed to suture up the torn muscles in his right leg through a secondary surgery. Yet, there’s still a long road ahead, his rehabilitation would present a long journey filled with immense pain.

The doctors conveyed the possibility that he might never return to full health, but  I  knew him better than anyone else – he had the strongest will of anyone I’d ever seen, no matter what the hardships were. I had complete faith in him that he would make it through this trying time. Even if things didn’t turn out as expected, I was ready to love him no matter what form of limitations may be placed on him or his body; – limp or disabled– I believed we would make it work together, all the same.

Now, the Doctors started to reduce his dose of narcotic painkillers and allow his body to regain its natural senses. It was painful to watch him suffer in pain, but it was necessary for his recovery. Restoring his physical strength was paramount for him to overcome this crisis, and a simple diet of hospital meals were not enough, so I made a mental note to discuss alternatives with the doctor. And just as important as the physical care, I needed to take care of his emotional and mental well-being as depression could easily set in if he felt helpless or hopeless.

Important Notes:

– I must speak friendly to him accompanied by a smile.

– Make sure he has the necessary nutrition for a healthy diet.

-Take caution in my words and deeds; do not do or say anything that will demean his honor or pride

  

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

The North Sea cast its clear blue light into the hospital room, greeted by the groans Bastian struggled to suppress. His entire body ached with pain, and no amount of painkillers seemed to offer relief. With breathless struggle, he managed to lift himself off his bed and lean against its edge. He was paralyzed by his helplessness, when Odette suddenly appeared at the door, carrying a sack of bandages and medicine.

“Bastian.”

Bastian smiled as she walked to his bed, neatly clad in a military nursing suit.

Yes military,

He was surprised – he knew her to be brave, but never expected her to be so reckless following him into the warzone. He felt anger at first that she had put herself in such danger, just for the chance to be with him. But when she said of how desperately she had missed him, his anger melted away and all that was left was love—uncontrollable, unwavering love.

“Hello, my dear, good morning.” Odette greeted him. His faint smile was her reply. 

Odette set down the painkillers and muscle relaxants on the bed then skillfully prepared a syringe to inject into his arm. Bastian winced in pain against the sharp stab of the needle yet stayed perfectly still while she administered the injection into his veins.

 Tears welled in her eyes as she watched him endure the severe pain with his eyes closed. After the injection was done, she dashed to the bathroom, grabbed a wet towel as well as a shaver and filled the basin with water.

It’s fine-she kept repeating to herself, steeling herself to stay strong. For Bastian would depend on her now, he must never know how close to crumbling apart she sometimes was.

When Odette returned to the room, Bastian was staring at the sea outside the window. Her worry still looming in her heart though he looked better than before. She wiped away the wetness from her eyes and walked to his bed, then placed a basin of water on the table. She quickly moved him, supporting his body with her strength and slid a pillow behind his back so he could lean back in comfort.

“…Odette.” Bastian looked at Odette, tenderly wiping his face.

“The snow has finally stopped.” Odette smiled, trying her best to light up the mood. “We can enjoy a beautiful sky today.” 

The morning sun shone through the window and illuminated the room as she began to undress him. The scars and slashes that marred his skin were exposed to her eyes as she unwrapped his bandage. Silence soon filled the air like a blanket, with a fear coursing through her veins at the sight of his bloodied wound, and her eyes began to well up with tears.

“Call a nurse.” Bastian calmly said, holding her trembling hand.

“I am a nurse.”

“Don’t be so stubborn.”

“No, I’m the commander of this hospital room!” With lightning speed, Odette snatched the bell rope beside the bed when Bastian was about to pull it. “Please cooperate, Admiral.”

Odette tried her best to be brave as she observed his wounds. Bastian knew why she was determined to nurse him back to health; for by taking care of him, she could distract herself from the grief that sought to overwhelm her.

She carefully bandaged and wiped away his cold sweat, contributing what little comfort she could. As she worked, Odette shared her stories of ordinary life – about the Trosa Islands in winter, about her new friends at the nurse corps, a letter from the Countess Trier about Margrethe and her three puppies. She kept him engaged in conversation of everyday matters while she helped him change his clothes.

“Now, close your eyes” Odette said as she picked up the shaving cream and her razor. To be honest she was not good at shaving, and he could do a better job with the shave himself, but his heart swelled with her sweet and loving care, and he followed her orders without a word,  even though the aftermath of an unclean beard, her devoted attention  made it all worth it. 

“I’ll start. Don’t move.”

Odette spread the cream and her delicate hand glided the shaver over his chin. Bastian sunk into the cushions, savoring her warm breath tickling his cheek. Her body scent calming him like a gentle lullaby, sending away every trace of pain even those which the strongest painkillers couldn’t reach.

It felt like a miracle that he was alive and breathing next to her. He opened his eyes, looking at her to make sure that this moment was not an illusion. It startled her and the slippery blade scratched his cheek.

“BASTIAN!” Odette hurriedly took a handkerchief from her pocket and pressed his cheek. Bastian laughed as he watched her trying to stop the bleeding. “DON’T LAUGH!”

“I’m alright.”

“But I’m not. Why did you open your eyes?”

“I miss you.” he whispered. “Because…. I miss you.”

The winter sunlight illuminated the walls of the room, and his voice, soft and deep, flowed through the space. Odette stared at him for a moment, confused, trying to process his words. His seriousness overwhelmed her with thoughts and emotions, it was like a heavy weight on her chest,  his mischievous side made her feel more comfortable.

“We still have a lot of time. We’ll be together forever from now on, so you don’t have to worry, Bastian.” Odette tried to remain calm as she said, though her cheeks were flushed.

Together forever….Bastian laughed, the promise of lingering sweetly on his lips.

“Now, will you close your eyes again?” Odette’s voice sliced through the momentary silence, her fingers light on his skin as she touched his eyes.

He would never be able to beat this woman – the way she had an effortless dominance over him was both thrilling and terrifying. He gave in again to his helpless love. He closed his eyes once more, surrendering himself completely to her clumsy but loving touch as she began to shave him.

“Ah, it’s nice.” today as well Odette told a lie after finished shaving. 

Sunlight beamed down on her smiling face. She smiled back at him, her lie forgotten.

He was mesmerized by the beauty of the scene and allowed himself to be lost in it for a while. A wave of peace came over him as he looked into her eyes and saw only truth. The moment was pure perfection.

*.·:·.✧.·:·.*

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Odette asked, for what felt like the umpteenth time.

“I’m fine, just go.” Bastian was consistent with the same answer.

Odette sighed and nodded, “Alright, then I’ll get going.” There was nothing left to say; she had promised to leave after breakfast to bring tableware, and so it had to be done. She rose from her chair and put on her near-tattered cloak.

She could not resist his request. She had doubts that it may be to early for her to serve the nation, but Bastian was stubborn and wanted her resume her volunteer nursing work again and honour the promise with emperor when he restored her crown. So now she had to do her best to live up to a royal’s standard and  make her crown sparkle. 

Bastian’s smile was bittersweet. She knew he was trying his best to hide his pain, lying about he was fine-both of them were experts at wearing masks, fooling the world and one another. In her heart she learned to accept, maybe it was best for them both. Staying with him was not a good idea, especially if she wanted to protect the sanctuary in his heart, and she would have done the same had she been in his shoes.

So, smiling back, she waved goodbye to him. “Good-bye, Bastian. I’ll be back.” she kissed his razor-bladed wound before leaving

The distant chime of the bells announced shift change, and Odette rushed out bringing her her empty trays. Leaving on his own devices Bastian took a deep breath and closed his eyes; a groan escaped from his throat as he endured the pain without morphine. It wasn’t easy, his injury now was far more painful and all over the place than he had experienced in the past.

Bastian rang the bell, calling the medical staff, and soon Colonel Haller, trailed by a nurse, came to his room.

“I want to know exactly about my condition —untainted and exact. No sugar-coating of reality- I must know the truth. But please, keep this secret from the Princess.” He spoke in a staccato voice as he addressed his doctor.

“Admiral, that’s…” Colonel Haller was tongue-tied. He struggled to find the words as Odette asked him to tell her the truth about his physical condition. 

She was scared of how his anxiety from being crippled would only worsen his health- something which Colonel Haller couldn’t help but agree with her that Bastian needed stability more than anything else so they both decided to lie to him about it. Unfortunately, it seemed that Bastian could read right through them.

“My apologies, I have committed a grievous mistake by deceiving you.” Colonel Haller bowed his head and began to explain the entire situation. He was cautious in his word choice, ensuring that he presented all of the facts as objectively as possible. “Though it is still uncertain if we will have success, we can make sure of our diagnosis once rehabilitative training has begun.”

“I see. When should I start rehabilitation?” Bastian asked.

“It’s impossible now. The surgery needs to heal first and your bones to mend before we can do it.”

“I see. Thank you for your cooperation, Colonel Haller.” Bastian thanked him for his cooperation, then laughed at his terrible face reflect in the hospital room mirror. “By the way, can I ask you a favor?”

“Of course, Admiral.”

Bastian swept over his sweaty hair, “Call me a barber.”

“…Oh, yes I will.”

The colonel felt awkward: a wife had left her injured husband for another patient, while the husband searched for a barber when he heard he’d be crippled. He didn’t understand the couple’s actions. But what should he say, they were no longer married.

“I’ll send you a good barber.”

He then left the hospital room, hoping to never have to examine the hero’s head. 

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