Ultimate Spin System: Ero Spin?-Chapter 72 - To me, you’re...

The next morning began with Lucas’s phone buzzing on the nightstand, jolting him awake. His groggy hand fumbled for the device before bringing it close to his face. A number he didn’t recognize flashed on the screen, followed by the word Doctor.

His heart skipped a beat as he sat up quickly. "Doctor? Is this about Dad?" he muttered to himself before swiping to answer. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Hello, this is Lucas speaking."

A calm but warm voice greeted him. "Good morning, Mr. Lucas. This is Dr. Stevenson. I’m calling with some great news about your father."

Lucas’s breath caught as the doctor continued. "His condition has improved significantly overnight. His vitals are stabilizing, and his consciousness level is returning to normal. We’re confident he’s out of the critical zone."

Lucas leaned back against his headboard, exhaling a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Doctor. That’s... really amazing news. Do you know what caused such a sudden recovery?"

There was a brief pause before Dr. Stevenson spoke. "Honestly, we can’t pinpoint the exact reason. We’re conducting further tests, but it seems like a miracle. I’d recommend coming by the hospital today; it would mean a lot for him to see you."

Lucas nodded instinctively, even though the doctor couldn’t see him. "I’ll be there. Thank you again."

Hanging up, Lucas let out a shaky laugh. Absolute Cure really works like magic, he thought, remembering the moment few days ago when he used the skill without hesitation.

Before he could delve deeper into those thoughts, Maya’s voice broke through from the other side of the door. "Lucas, breakfast is ready!"

Lucas shoved his thoughts aside and got ready for the day, pulling on a clean shirt and jeans. As he stepped into the dining room, the smell of freshly cooked pancakes filled the air. Maya stood by the stove, her movements graceful as always.

"Good morning, sweetie," she greeted with a smile, placing a stack of pancakes on the table.

"Morning," Lucas replied, sitting down and grabbing the syrup. His mind was still partially preoccupied with the call.

Maya noticed his distracted expression and tilted her head. "Everything okay?"

Lucas hesitated for a moment. "Yeah. Actually, the doctor called. Dad’s getting better."

Maya froze mid-step, her hands gripping the edge of the counter. "He’s... better?"

Lucas nodded, his tone hesitant. "They said it’s a big improvement. I’m heading to the hospital later to see him."

For a moment, Maya didn’t respond. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she turned back to the counter, her movements now slower and more deliberate. "That’s... great news," she said finally, though her voice lacked its usual warmth.

Lucas noticed the shift in her demeanor but didn’t comment. He focused on his breakfast, the meal passing in relative silence. Afterward, as he prepared to leave, Maya stood by the door, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.

"Lucas," she said softly, stopping him in his tracks. "If your father’s better... does that mean..."

Her voice trailed off, but the unspoken words hung heavily in the air. Does that mean our time together is over?

Lucas turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "Mom, you’ve been amazing during all of this. I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done—for me and for him. But we don’t have to figure everything out right now. Let’s take it one step at a time."

Maya forced a smile, though her eyes betrayed her unease. "You’re right. One step at a time."

As Lucas left, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Maya’s world was beginning to crumble, and he wasn’t sure how to handle it.

---

The hospital room was quiet, the faint hum of machines the only sound. Lucas stepped inside cautiously, his gaze falling on his father, who looked surprisingly better. The pale complexion and weak frame were still there, but there was a newfound life in his eyes.

"Dad," Lucas said softly, approaching the bed.

His father turned his head, a small smile forming on his lips. "Lucas... you’re here."

"Of course, I am. How are you feeling?"

"Like I’ve been hit by a truck," his father joked weakly. "But I’m here. That’s what matters."

Lucas pulled a chair close, the two of them slipping into a comfortable conversation. As they talked, Lucas felt a strange mix of emotions—relief, guilt, and even a hint of fear. He knew he couldn’t tell his father the truth about what he’d done, but the weight of that secret pressed heavily on his chest.

After a while, the nurse entered, signaling the end of visiting hours. Lucas stood, squeezing his father’s hand. "I’ll be back soon, okay?"

His father nodded. "Thank you, son. For everything."

---

Returning home that evening, Lucas found Maya sitting on the couch, her knees drawn up to her chest. She looked up as he entered, her expression guarded.

"How’s your father?" she asked.

"Better," Lucas replied, dropping his bag by the door. "He’s awake and talking. The doctors are optimistic."

Maya nodded slowly, her gaze dropping to the floor. "That’s good."

Lucas sat down beside her, the silence stretching between them. Finally, he spoke. "Mom, I know this changes things, but it doesn’t mean—"

"It does, Lucas," she interrupted, her voice trembling. "It changes everything. Your father’s getting better, and you’ll go back to being his son, not... whatever this is."

Lucas frowned, struggling to find the right words. "You’ve been there for me when I needed someone the most. That doesn’t just go away."

Maya shook her head, a bitter smile on her lips. "You don’t understand. When he comes back, I’m just... the wife. The stepmother. Nothing more."

"That’s not true," Lucas said firmly. "You’re more than that, Mom. To me, you’re..."

He trailed off, the words catching in his throat. Maya looked at him, her eyes searching his.

"Lucas," she whispered, leaning closer. "What am I to you?"

The question hung in the air, heavy and unanswerable. For once, Lucas had no witty retort, no clever deflection. He could only stare back, his silence speaking volumes.