Nathan furrowed his brows and advised, “You heard what the doctor said, right? It’s risky not to get stitches. There’s a higher chance of infection, which might even leave a scar.”
Halma replied, “Then, so be it. It’s not like anyone can see it under my hair. There’s no way I’m letting them shave my head.”
The doctor chimed in, “We don’t have to shave it all. We can trim the hair near the wound, and it won’t affect your overall appearance.”
She remained firm in her disagreement.
Feeling helpless and worried, Nathan tried to comfort her. After a long time, she finally agreed but repeatedly confirmed with the doctor that only the hair around the wound would be shaved, ensuring it would not affect her overall appearance.
However, when the doctor finished stitching, Halma saw herself in the mirror Nathan found and was almost tempted to toss it in frustration. A big chunk of her hair had indeed been shaved. How could such a large shaved area not be affecting her overall appearance?
How would she style her hair to cover such a large bald patch? How would she be able to face people?
Feeling wronged and angry, she burst into tears when she threw the mirror.
Nathan was startled and flustered. She didn’t cry when she had a concussion, nor when she had a cracked bone. How could she cry so much over a haircut?
He hurriedly held her and soothed her. “Don’t cry, Halma. It’s okay. Look. You can cover it by parting bits of your hair from the other side.” While speaking, he gently adjusted her hairstyle.
Halma sobbed while lying on the hospital bed. “Nathan, you big liar! Weren’t you supposed to watch the doctor? How did he shave so much off? What were you doing?”
He held her close and comforted her. “Your wound is big, but the doctor did his best to keep it small. Don’t be too sad. You’re the most beautiful, no matter what. Hair grows back quickly, and before you know it, it’ll be back to normal in no time.”
“In no time? You’re just lying to me, you big liar. I won’t believe anything you say anymore.” The more she spoke, the louder she cried. Suddenly, she sat up and shouted at him, “Get out! I don’t want to see you anymore!” Then, her already dizzy head spun even more, and she fell back onto the bed, feeling nauseous.
Shocked, he quickly held her to keep her steady. “Stay still, Halma. The doctor said not to move. You have injuries on your head and arm, and it could be even more troublesome if they worsen. Don’t worry. We can always wear wigs for a few days. Your hair will grow back quickly, and everything will be fine.”
Despite everything, Halma’s emotions grew even more agitated. “Get out! I don’t need your care!”
Nathan felt uneasy seeing her in such distress and worried that staying would only worsen things, so he reluctantly compromised. “Okay, okay, don’t be mad. If that’s what you want, I won’t stay. I’ll leave, alright?”
She cried in the ward for a long time until her sobbing gradually subsided. After a while, she mustered the courage to reach for the mirror on the bedside table, and then… The tears she had barely stopped came pouring out again. I look so ugly, horribly ugly.
The ward door creaked open, and she recognized Nathan’s footsteps. However, she completely ignored him, facing away and softly sobbing. He whispered, “Halma, you must be hungry. I bought some food for you. Take a look and see if there’s anything you like.”
Halma still did not respond to him. Eating was the last thing on her mind, and she was consumed by anger.
His voice carried a tinge of helplessness. “You can give me the cold shoulder, but can you at least talk to Olivia?”
Her eyelids twitched at his words. Is Olivia here? Why haven’t I heard her footsteps? Is he lying to me again?
She hesitated and remained motionless until Olivia’s voice sounded. “Are you angry with Nathan just because of this?”
Halma was surprised to find that she had come. She slowly turned to look at her, her mouth pouting with immense grievance.
