Chapter 356

At the doorway stood Howard, who had rushed over. Amy wasn't surprised to see him. She nodded and said, "Hendrix, what brings you here?"

"Miller, it's Hendrix," he corrected.

Rosie, a little surprised, replied, "Hendrix…" It had been a few days since they last met; he had helped her then.

Howard looked at both Amy and Rosie. "May I come in?"

Rosie paused. "Of course. Please come in."

"Thank you."

Rosie rose from the sofa, studying him. "What brings you here at this hour? I thought you were discharged. I haven't seen you in days; it's been unusually quiet next door."

"Not quite discharged," Howard said, moving closer, his gaze dropping to her face. "I've been busy during the day, but I still have my room here."

"Ah…" Rosie smiled and nodded.

Amy chimed in, "Hendrix, have you had dinner yet? I was just about to go to the dining hall for Ms. Miller's favorite dishes. If you haven't eaten, why not join us? It's Ms. Miller's birthday today."

Howard's eyes lit up. "What a lucky coincidence! I won't refuse."

"Lovely," Amy said. "Please keep Ms. Miller company while I'm away."

Once Amy left, silence filled the room. Rosie lifted her arm slightly. "Please, have a seat."

"Hmm," Howard replied, sitting down. Rosie frowned. Hendrix's "hmm" sounded strangely familiar.

"What are you thinking about?" Howard asked, noticing she seemed thinner. "Haven't you been eating properly the past couple of days?"

Rosie was startled. "You can tell?"

"Your chin is sharper," Howard said, guessing her thoughts. "Are you dieting? Trying to lose weight?"

"Not at all," Rosie smiled gently. "I just haven't had much of an appetite."

Howard understood; her eyes spoke volumes. He was reserved, less adept at comforting women. "It's your birthday; cheer up."

Rosie thought it inappropriate to dwell on sadness before someone she wasn't close to, and she nodded with a smile. "Alright."

Amy returned with a bustling group pushing a food cart. Rosie, though blind, sensed the commotion and looked at Howard in confusion. "What's going on?"

"Don't worry," Howard reassured her, lowering his gaze with a faint smile. "They've come to deliver the meal."

Rosie was even more surprised. Did Amy really order so much?

"It's your birthday," Howard explained. "The nursing home offers special treats for birthday celebrants."

Rosie and her brow lifted, realizing this was a high-end nursing home. "Have you ever enjoyed this kind of…"

Howard chuckled. "Yes. They've prepared a cake."

"Really?" Rosie's eyes widened.

Howard smiled. "You'll see soon."

Amy had already prepared the meal. "Ms. Miller, Hendrix, please come and eat."

"Alright," Howard said, hesitating before taking Rosie's hand. Rosie was momentarily stunned. Before she could speak, Howard said, "Amy is busy; I'll lead you over."

"Oh…" Rosie nodded, letting him guide her to the dining area. Though blind, she felt Hendrix carefully watching over her, pulling out a chair and helping her sit. "Thank you."

Amy smiled at Howard before leaving, leaving them alone. The room was dimly lit, except for wall lights in the dining room. On the cherry wood table, a candle holder cast a warm glow, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Howard sat beside Rosie, the candlelight illuminating her face. He swallowed hard, unconsciously pouring two glasses of red wine from a decanter.

"What is this?" Rosie smelled it. "Is it red wine?"

"Indeed," Howard nodded. "It's your birthday; you should have a little."

"Sounds good."

"Here," Howard took her hand, placing the wine glass in her palm. "Hold it carefully."

Rosie smiled. "You're even more of a worrier than Amy. I may be blind, but I can certainly hold a glass."

"It's my fault," Howard gently clinked his glass against hers. "Happy birthday."

Rosie paused, feeling emotion. "Thank you." She sipped the wine. "This wine…"

"What's wrong?" Howard frowned. "Don't you like it?"

Rosie shook her head. "Is it Lafite from 1966?"

"Indeed," Howard nodded, surprised. "You can tell? Do you know a lot about red wine?"

"Not really," Rosie smiled. "When I was younger, I lived abroad with my mother. She married a man whose family owned a vineyard; we had a private winery at home."

She said this a bit shyly. "I was a child; I drank red wine like water. So I guess I learned a thing or two."

Seeing her bright smile, a shadow crossed Howard's features. Rosie had also been raised comfortably; if she'd never met him, her life might have been peaceful. Yet, those years had been tough for her.

Setting down his glass, Howard served her food, cutting her meat into bite-sized pieces. "Take your time. If there's anything you like, just let me know."

"Alright," Rosie replied, eating slowly.

Noticing her appetite, Howard smiled. "Leave some room; there's still birthday cake to enjoy later."

Later, Rosie exclaimed softly, her eyes curving into crescent moons. "So there really is a cake!"

"I'll be here to help you blow out the candles and cut the cake."

"Mmm," Rosie agreed cheerfully, setting down her spoon and using her palms to support herself as she tried to rise. "Hendrix, where's Amy? Could you help me call her?"

"Amy has gone to rest," Howard held her arm. "Is there something you need? I can help."

"I need to use the restroom…" Rosie's cheeks flushed, feeling embarrassed.

Howard remained unfazed. "I'm not sure where Amy is either." Concerned she might stumble, he pulled out her chair, taking her hand. "I'll take you there…"

Her hand—delicate and soft—fit perfectly in his.