Kier sat by Erika’s bedside, watching the slow rise and fall of her chest. Her forehead was bandaged, her head tilted gently to the side. Machines beeped softly in the background.
Her bruises made his heart ache. He hated seeing her like this–weak, hurt. And though part of him regretted the fight, a larger part felt triumphant.”
She was found.”
She was his again.”
He even called Arthur that night. “She’s here,” he said quietly.”
Arthur’s voice cracked. “Mom… Is she okay?“}
“She will be,” Kier replied. “But you need to apologize when you see her. We all do.”
Later that night, Riley stood outside the hospital room, jaw clenched, unable to sleep. He had wanted to be the one beside her. He had been there every day for the last months–building her back up, brick by brick.
And now he wasn’t allowed to even touch the door.
But inside… Kier stayed.”
He stroked Erika’s fingers gently, whispered old memories under his breath, hoping she could hear them.}
“I’m sorry,” he murmured. “For everything. But maybe this is fate, right? Maybe this is how we start again.“} Then she stirred.}
Eyes fluttered.
Slowly, painfully, Erika opened her eyes.>
Kier leaned forward, smiling through tears. “Erika… you’re awake.“}
She blinked at him. Disoriented. Weak.}
Then her lips parted, voice rasped.
“Where’s… Riley?”
Kier froze.
The air drained from the room.
12:39 PM d
