Chapter 20: Steps Towards Recovery

The doctor's smile was a welcome sight as he entered Julie's hospital room, a chart in hand. "Well, well, well, looks like you're doing much better, Julie," he said, his eyes scanning her face. Julie smiled back, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Yeah, I think I am," she replied, her voice a little stronger than it had been in days. The doctor nodded, making a few notes on her chart. "I think it's time we got you out of bed, don't you?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Julie's eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly. "Yes, please," she said, her voice filled with excitement. Yoongi, who had been sitting in a chair beside her bed, stood up, a look of concern on his face. "Are you sure she's ready?" he asked the doctor. The doctor nodded. "I think so. A little exercise won't hurt her. In fact, it will probably do her some good." Yoongi nodded, and then turned to Julie. "Let's get you out of bed," he said, his voice gentle. Julie nodded, and Yoongi helped her sit up, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. She felt a little dizzy, but Yoongi was there to catch her, his arm around her waist. "Whoa, easy there," he said, his voice soothing. "Let's take it slow." Julie laughed, feeling a little silly. "I'm sorry," she said, her face flushing. Yoongi smiled. "Don't be," he said. "I'm here to help." With Yoongi's help, Julie took her first steps in days, walking slowly around the room. It was harder than she thought it would be, but with Yoongi by her side, she felt like she could do anything. As they walked, the doctor and a nurse followed, watching her progress. After a while, they decided to take a walk down the hall and back, and Julie was surprised at how much farther she could go than she had thought. When they returned to her room, the doctor smiled at her. "You know, I think you're ready to go home," he said. Julie's eyes widened in surprise, and she looked at Yoongi, who was grinning at her. "Really?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement. The doctor nodded. "Yes, really. You're making great progress, and I think you'll do just fine at home." Julie felt a surge of happiness, and she threw her arms around Yoongi's neck. "Thank you," she said, her voice muffled against his shoulder. Yoongi hugged her back, his arms wrapping tightly around her. "You're welcome," he said. "I'm just glad you're feeling better." As they packed up her things and said goodbye to the hospital staff, Julie felt a sense of freedom that she hadn't felt in days. She was going home, and she was going home with Yoongi by her side.