The next day, in Elie's room, a light atmosphere floated in the air. Elsa, with a radiant smile, was reflecting on her situation. Although she was supposed to be part of a fictional family, she strangely felt at home. Joy overwhelmed her as she recalled her family's recent transfer to another hospital, a decision that had proven a thousand times more beneficial than their previous environment. Elie, attentive to her well-being, had even hired some staff to ease her worries. All that mattered to her was that her family was in good hands.
Suddenly, Elie interrupted her thoughts: "What are you doing?"
Surprised, Elsa turned to him with a smile. "Oh! You were there? I'm trying to play my role as a wife for you!"
Elie pursed his lips. "I don't like those smiles on your lips."
"Can't you just appreciate my efforts?" she retorted.
"Oh really? Because you're making an effort there?"
"Exactly! Look, since you're going to work today, I've taken care of a few things for you. I also know that my husband doesn't care at all about what he wears to work, so I'm here to help him choose a proper and elegant outfit. So, what do you think?"
"That you shouldn't have done that!" replied Elie with an exasperated look.
Elsa gave him a playful glance. "Still as humorless as ever! But alright, for your outfit today, I'm hesitating between these two suits. Which one would you like to wear?"
"Why should I be bothered with all this exactly?" he sighed.
"Okay, let's go with this one! It looks perfect on you!" exclaimed Elsa enthusiastically.
Elie sighed again and took the garment she had given him.
Sure! Here's the translation in English:
"Do you need help changing? Just in case you want me to help?" she asked with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
He shot her a frosty look in response.
"I get it! Wait, I'll turn around so you can change. Give me a sign when you're done!" she said, turning away. While waiting for her husband, she couldn't help but smile inwardly at his reluctant behavior. Elie was sitting in his chair, changing with a certain nonchalance. A few seconds later, he broke the silence: "Do you know how to tie a tie?"
Surprised by the question, Elsa replied confidently: "Of course! Why?"
"Then help me with that!" Elie requested.
A sly smile appeared on Elsa's lips. "Ah! It's true that you can't do anything by yourself," she murmured almost to herself.
"Pardon?" Elie said, raising an eyebrow.
"I didn't say anything? So, can I come back now to tie your tie or should I do it facing away like this?" she suggested, playing with her words.
"Very well, do it facing away then!" he replied with an amused expression.
Elsa turned around, but a thought overwhelmed her: *It's impossible… Wow!* She then realized how handsome he was. A slight blush rose to her cheeks as she tried to hide her fluster.
"You see, you shouldn't have asked then… What's wrong?" Elie inquired, noticing her change in demeanor.
"Nothing! Nothing!" she stammered, even redder. "I… I'm going to tie your tie."
"It's today, right?" Elie asked, a mischievous smile on his face.
"What?" Elsa exclaimed.
"That you're finally going to sleep here!" he announced.
Realizing the implications of his words, Elsa thought: *Oh, that's right!* She remembered that she had been so busy with her family's hospital change that she hadn't noticed this detail.
"Is that going to be a problem for you?" Elie worried.
"Not at all! Besides, it's not the first time we've slept together. My family is in good hands, so I can finally rest a bit," she replied with a reassuring smile.
"If you say so!" he agreed.
Elsa added playfully: "I imagine it will be difficult for you!"
"What?" Elie asked, surprised.
"To always sleep next to someone you don't see as a woman," she explained while laughing lightly.
Elie retorted: "Not at all; it doesn't completely bother me!"
Elsa felt a slight sting from his words and thought: *I see… Why did I hope for another answer from him when I already know what he's going to say? Well, it's done.*
"Thank you very much! It's time for me to go now," Elie announced.
"Wait, I'll call Mr. Gilbert for you!" Elsa exclaimed.
"It's not necessary, I can manage by going out. I think he's already waiting for me in front of the house. See you tonight!" he replied.
"Okay! See you tonight!" she said with a smile. Then she added in her thoughts: *Well, I also need to get ready for the hospital!"