Chapter Five: Amelia's Supervision

The dawn broke over the metropolis in a pale wash of gray, casting long, haggard shade from the towering hospital structures. Amelia, her eyes dark with fatigue and anxiety, stood at the bottom of Jonah’s bed. He looked up, his face pale and etched with the strain of the previous day's trial.

"Jonah." She said gently, her voice a low murmur in the quiet room. "We need to go back. We need to talk to Doctor Moxley." She said,

Jonah’s brow furrowed, apprehension clouding his eyes. "Amelia, I’m not sure that is a good idea. I’m not supposed to be back on hospital grounds. The suspension...."

"I know." Amelia cut him off, placing a hand on his arm. "But we have to try. We can not just let this rest. You have to come back. You need this job." She said,

A flicker of hope and a spark of defiance danced in Jonah’s eyes. He knew it within himself that the job was very important to him and he could not afford to lose it. For that, he agreed to Amelia's suggestion.

They finally got to the hospital walking in silence down the hallway. The white walls seemed to amplify the weight of the situation with the rough calmness of the hospital setting an implied blameworthiness against them. They eventually reached the doors of Dr. Moxley’s office, the polished brass nameplate flashing under the bright lights.

Amelia pushed the doors open with her hand pulsing slightly. Dr. Moxley, a man whose face was as severe as his address, sat at his office, his eyes fixed on a report he held, his brow furrowed in attention.

“Dr. Moxley.” Amelia greeted, her voice steady despite the knot of anxiety in her stomach. “ Jonah and I need to speak with you." She said,

Moxley’s head snapped up, his eyes piercing and his face a mask of displeasure. “Jonah.” he said, his voice cold and angry. “I thought I made myself clear. Your presence in this hospital is unwanted. You have been suspended. Too many complaints about your incompetence have been laid by the other staff Jonah.” He said.

Amelia stepped forward, her voice steady. “Dr. Moxley, I understand your reaction. Still, Jonah is a precious asset to this hospital. He’s an excellent cleaner, inexhaustible and devoted, and he’s authentically regretful for his poor conduct.” She pleaded.

“Remorseful? You truly believe that empty sentiment will abolish the consequences of his conduct?” Dr. Moxley’s voice rose, his wrath radiating through the confined space.

Amelia’s voice, though soft, held a firm determination. “Jonah is a good man, Dr. Moxley, a good worker, and he deserves a second chance.” She said,

Moxley’s eyes hardened, but a flicker of something akin to distrustfulness appeared in his eyes. He knew Jonah was a good worker, he knew his loyalty was unwavering. But the man's clumsiness unnerved him greatly.

He sighed, his eyes shifting from Amelia to Jonah, who stood with his head bowed, his shoulders drooped, the weight of the situation crushing him.

“Alright.” Dr. Moxley eventually conceded, his voice gruff and his eyes still cautious. “I’m willing to give you another chance, Jonah. Still, you'll be under Amelia’s supervision. Her word is law. And, let me be clear, if anything happens, if you cause any further trouble, you'll be dismissed immediately with no questions asked.” He explained.

A surge of relief washed over Jonah. He looked at Amelia, his eyes filled with gratefulness. She smiled, her relief mirroring his.

“Thank you, Dr. Moxley.” Amelia said, her voice warm with gratefulness. “We will not let you down.” She promised.

They left the office, the doors closing behind them with a heavy thud. As they walked down the hallway, the sterile quiet of the hospital felt different now, lighter, less rough.

“Jonah.” Amelia said, her voice gentle, “I need you to understand something. You are going to be aiding me with my work. Specifically, you will be helping me with my patio. With your special ability.”

Jonah’s eyes widened, a mixture of apprehension and curiosity battling within him. “Amelia, you can’t be serious. But my status...."

“I know.” she said, cutting him off, her eyes meeting his, her eyes filled with a quiet determination. “But you have to understand, you have something special, Jonah. Something that can help people. You can heal, and I need your help." She said.

“But this is not proper, Amelia. My ability, it's a secret I want to keep."

“Don’t worry.” Amelia said, her voice laced with consolation. “We’ll keep it a secret. You’ll be discreet, I ’ll be discreet. We’ll just work together, help people, and no one will know.” She said,

Jonah paused, his mind churning, his heart pounding against his ribs. On the one hand, the theory of using his ability to help others, the people who needed it most, filled him with a sense of purpose, a feeling of belonging he'd no way known before. On the other hand, the fear, the constant trouble of exposure, of being ostracized, of being hunted, was a constant, suffocating presence in his life.

“Amelia.” he said, his voice low and reluctant. “I. I don’t know. This is too scary. It’s too dangerous.”

Amelia took his hand, her touch reassuring, her eyes unwavering. "Jonah.” she said, her voice soft but firm, “I need you. We need you. And I promise, we'll find a way.