Leo's voice carries a sense of helplessness and sarcasm. He continues with a smile, "I used to be a military officer... fighting on Four Minnow Star, helping a stupid commander lead troops into battle. He neglected his duties, causing the deaths of many of my soldiers, including my best friend." When mentioning his best friend, Leo's tone is filled with deep pain and regret, as if this grief is an eternal scar in his heart.
Douglas calmly looks at Leo, as if he has already anticipated what kind of story he would tell next, but he still maintains a listening posture, allowing Leo to continue his narrative.
Leo took a deep breath and then said, "I punched that officer, only to later find out that he is the son of the Star Alliance Admiral... No wonder he can be so incompetent and still hold his position for so long..." At this point, Leo's voice was filled with anger and helplessness. His experience resonated with Douglas's story, both of them suffering greatly from injustice due to unfair treatment based on power and background.
This conversation created a special resonance between the two of them. They were both people who had been frustrated in the course of their lives, both experiencing the pain of being betrayed by this world.
Douglas's gaze fell on the already cooled instant noodles. He boredly stirred the contents of the bowl with his chopsticks, seemingly seeking some comfort from this ordinary and unremarkable action. With a faint voice, he slowly uttered, "Young man... I certainly feel unfair for your past... but as someone who has been through it, I can only tell you that the more you pursue the past, the more you will find things that shouldn't have happened, and the pain will continue to spread." These words carried deep helplessness and philosophy, as if it was a kind of resignation to the past and a sense of powerlessness towards the future.
As he stirred, the seasoning powder and small pieces of meat that had settled at the bottom of the instant noodles were stirred up, turning the originally clear soup into a mess. This unintentional change became the perfect metaphor for his words—once the memories of the past are stirred up again, the seemingly calm lake of the heart will also become murky and unclear.
Leo watched Douglas's movements and couldn't help but resonate with them. He realized that looking back might provide temporary comfort, but more often than not, it only reopened old wounds. Perhaps learning to let go and accept the imperfections of reality was the survival skill they needed to learn.
Douglas stopped his meaningless stirring and set down his chopsticks, accompanying it with a casual comment: "No matter what, this soup is really terrible." This statement not only evaluated the instant noodles in front of him, but also seemed to imply a resigned acceptance of certain unpleasant experiences in life. He stood up, picked up the noodle bowl, and walked heavily to the sink, pouring out the remaining soup and uneaten noodles in one go. This simple action seemed to be a way of cleansing unpleasant memories from the past.
Leo quietly observed Douglas's lonely figure, feeling a tinge of sadness in his heart. He deeply sensed that perhaps in this vast yet narrow universe, everyone is just a pawn in the hands of fate, manipulated at will, with the end seemingly out of reach. This realization filled Leo with a sense of powerlessness. After yawning, Douglas quietly bid Leo goodnight and slowly ascended the stairs, leaving behind not only his silhouette but also his tragic and sorrowful past. Leo sat quietly in his chair, watching Douglas's figure disappear around the corner of the staircase, filled with deep sympathy and respect for the doctor.
After getting up, Leo began to tidy up the remnants on the table, each movement seeming particularly careful and thoughtful, as if this was not just about organizing items, but also about respecting and cherishing Douglas's weathered life experiences. Once finished, Leo returned to his consulting room, where he had been lying for the past week, and the familiar hospital bed carried his journey of recovery during this time.
Lying in bed, Leo recalled the ups and downs of these days, from the initial pain and helplessness to now being able to walk independently. Every step was the result of his and Douglas's efforts. Now, his body has almost recovered, and the day to be discharged is approaching. On this quiet night, Leo's heart is filled with anticipation for the future and gratitude for Douglas. He knows that even though the outside world is full of uncertainty and difficulties, he is ready to face the challenges again.
The next morning, Leo jumped out of bed early and began his cleaning work with enthusiasm. He carefully removed the bed sheets and pillowcases, preparing to send them for cleaning, as if to thank the space that provided him with shelter and healing. Not only that, he also did not forget to tidy up the public spaces on the first floor, especially the bathroom, cleaning it thoroughly, showing his emphasis on cleanliness and order.
Douglas couldn't help but show an appreciative smile at Leo's diligent appearance. Half-jokingly, he said, "Maybe you can find a male nurse later." This remark not only acknowledged Leo's hard work but also revealed an expectation for his recovery and return to a normal life.
Upon hearing this, Leo couldn't help but smile, feeling a warm surge in his heart. This lighthearted joke not only deepened the friendship between him and Douglas but also made him feel that his efforts here were seen and appreciated. In this small clinic, Leo found a special sense of belonging, a feeling that made his impending departure particularly complex.
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