Three dayster, Eleanor visited the hospital. Mansfield was about to return to Kingston to recuperate, and she was there to say goodbye.


    In the quiet hospital room, Mansfield was dressed in a patient gown, his spirits clearly much better. He had a short buzz cut, and a patch on the right side of his head was shaved where the chip had been imnted. The wound had healed well, leaving only a faint scar that would bepletely hidden once his hair grew out a little.


    "With Principal Maxwell and Dr. MacLeod in Kingston, I know you''ll be in good hands," Eleanor said, looking at him.


    Mansfield looked back at her. Eleanor had rested well over the past few days, and herplexion had improved.


    "Has he not returned yet?" Mansfield asked her.


    Eleanor knew Mansfield had been wanting to thankn in person. Although the favor was owed to his father, Mansfield was a man who kept a clear ledger of debts and favors.


    "Not yet," Eleanor shook her head. "His trip was nned for a week."


    Mansfield nodded and mulled it over for a moment. "I''ll thank him the next time I see him."


    Mansfield wasn''t the type to forget a favor like this.


    Eleanor looked at his serious expression and understood. Mansfield had eptedn''s help, and he would surely repay him when the opportunity arose.


    After that, afortable and rxed atmosphere settled in the room. Eleanor peeled a piece of fruit. In a way, Mansfield had be her clinical test subject for this technological breakthrough.


    "I don''t know when we''ll see each other again after I go back," Mansfield said with a hint of reluctance. "I was hoping to treat your Evelyn to a meal before I left."


    "There will be other opportunities," Eleanor said, handing him a slice of apple. "Once you''re fully recovered, you''re always wee to visit us in Ashford City."


    They were no longer lovers, but friends who trusted and could rely on each other.


    Mansfield smiled and nodded. "Alright. I''ll definitelye back to Ashford City before I return to the military."


    Mansfield looked at Eleanor,


    hesitating over words he didn''t know how to say be knewn had offered his help, but he felt there was a deeper meaning behind his actions.


    ét


    He had spoken with Ryan recently, who told him that when he received the international chip, his first call had been to Eleanor and her first move had been to askn for help.


    He felt thatn''s actions weren''t entirely about saving him, or at least, not entirely as a favor to his father.


    Although Mansfield had stepped back into the role of a friend, he wouldn''t overstep by interfering with Eleanor''s future romantic choices.


    Just then, Principal Maxwell knocked and entered. "Do you two need a few more minutes?"


    Eleanor smiled and stood up. "Principal Maxwell, you''re here."


    Principal Maxwell smiled and nodded at Eleanor, then spoke gently to Mansfield. "Mansfield, it''s time for us to go."


    Mansfield looked up at Eleanor. "Eleanor, take care of yourself. Get some rest."


    "You too. Focus on your rehabilitation and get back to your team soon," Eleanor said with a smile, her eyes filled with sincere relief.


    Mansfield extended his hand toward her. Eleanor paused for a moment, then reached out and took it. They shook hands-a gesture of farewell and mutual blessing.


    Principal Maxwell said to Mansfield, "Mansfield, why don''t you go on ahead? I''d like to have a quick word with Eleanor."