Love Unspoken

"Why are we heading to the hospital?" Sebastian asked, a note of confusion in his voice.

Preston replied with a pragmatic tone, "It's about money, dude. I covered her medical expenses and I need to recoup that. What else are we supposed to survive on?" Sebastian found himself unable to counter Preston's logic and simply nodded in agreement.

The car veered abruptly, taking a sharp turn onto a different road.

Upon their arrival at the hospital, they found that Quinn was still unconscious. Her face was hidden behind an oxygen mask, a thin layer of condensation fogging the clear plastic.

Preston leaned over her, his gaze lingering on her obscured face, but he could discern nothing.

After a seemingly interminable half-hour, Quinn began to stir.

She inhaled deeply, her eyes fluttering open to reveal a profound exhaustion. She attempted to move her fingers, but found her strength had abandoned her.

"Bro, she's awake!" Sebastian alerted Preston, who had been on the verge of dozing off in his chair.

upright and dragged his chair closer to the bed, a smile playing

still hazy. It took her a moment to focus

features sharp and defined. His eyebrows were thick and dark, and his teeth gleamed white against his complexion when he

the harsh hospital lights, her skin looked pale, almost translucent. Yet her eyes were dark

hanging in

studying Preston's face. He seemed familiar,

can't remember either. Let's start fresh. I'm Preston,

uttering a word. She simply stared at

want to get to know me?" Preston asked, misinterpreting her silence. Quinn gently shook her head, then raised her hands and began to sign

her signing, her movements imbued with a certain vulnerability that he found endearing. "You're like a child," he said, a smile tugging at his lips. Quinn paused, unsure if he had merely guessed at her meaning or if

closer. "I work at a care center with several deaf

"Yes, that's right. The kids at our center

experience all for free.

She signed: Thank you.