Your Love Is But a Dream (Clara and Wren)

Clara felt a pang of guilt as she spoke into the phone. "Sorry to bother you, Mr. Stone. I hope I'm not interrupting your morning. A friend of mine has been running a high fever that won't break. I was wondering if there's a clinic or hospital nearby that makes house calls?"

"A fever? How bad is it?" Ethan asked, his tone sharpening.

"Pretty bad," Clara admitted. "He's been burning up since last night. I gave him some medicine, but it hasn't helped."

There was a brief pause on the other end before Ethan spoke again. "Send me the address. I'll have someone come by to check on him."

"Oh, no, that's too much trouble. I can figure something out myself," Clara said quickly.

"It's no trouble. Just send me the address," Ethan insisted, his tone firm but calm. "I'll take care of it."

Clara hesitated but finally relented, thanking him several times as she sent over the information. Once she hung up, she returned to Alexander's room. He was sitting up in bed, holding the bowl of porridge she'd brought earlier, though it was clear he didn't have much appetite.

Upon hearing hetentes, Alexander looked up. "Are you done with your call?"

"Yeah," she said as she wallad over to collect i

the dishes from last night. "A doctor's on the way. In the meantime, try to eat a little. I'll be back in a bit " She turned to leave, but just as she reached the door, she felt a sudden pull on her wrist. The heat from his touch was startling. She stiffened for a moment and Taimed backte find Alexander staring at her, his dark eyes unreadable.

You called someone just for me?" His voler was low, almost uncertain

"Of course," Clara said, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. "You're burning up. You need help."

nighttorward tone seemed to catch in off guard. She wasn't trying to make a point or look virtuous-she was simply stating a fact.

her mind, she owed Alexander a few favors. They were neighbors now, and helping each other out was just a decent thing to do. If she ever needed assistance, she hoped Alexander would do the same for her.

But to Alexander, her actions didn't feel so simple. He had grown up in a world where kindness often came with hidden agendas, and he'd learned to see through the Lacades of seemingly wat gestutes.

firt, when he looked at Clata, he didn't see any of that. Her eyes were clear and earnest. There was no calculation, no ulterior motive. The purity of her actions samsettled him more than he cared to admit Alexander released her wrist abruptly, dropping his gaze. "You're awfully generous, Ms. Salford."

Clara towned slightly, sensing something odd in his tone. "Is there something you want to say?"

"No," Alexander said quickly, picking up his bowl again. "Thanks for looking out for me. And for calling the doctor. I owe you one."

tudied him for a moment, but his expression was hund to read, Deciding not to press further, she nodded and left, carrying the dishes back to her place. After tidying up her kitchen and eating a quick meal, Clara heard a car pull up outside. She peeked out the window and saw a man in a long coat stepping out, cathring a tizedical bar Quiddy, die went out to get him before leading lim upstairs to Alexander's room