387: SHADOWED THOUGHTS
ARIEL’S POV
I made my way to the waiting area to finally get some rest, and all of a sudden, I felt someone tapping my shoulder. I turned around quickly.
It was Andre.
“Oh, Andre. I never expected to see you here.”
“Yeah,” he said, dipping his hands inside his pockets. “I just came to check up on you. “You know, since you’ve been going to the hospital all day.”
I let out a deep sigh. “You know Luke is in a coma.”
“Yeah, I do. But I’m also concerned about you, Ariel.”
“Thanks. I really appreciate that.”
“Have you eaten today?” He asked.
“No, not really. I’m not hungry.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Yes, Andre. There’s no need for you to be worried about me.” I placed both of my hands on his shoulders.
“I know, but I just wanted to make sure you’re taking care of yourself,” he murmured, his eyes searching
mine for reassurance.
“I know, and I appreciate it more than I can say,” I replied, my voice soft with emotion. “But right now, I just need to be here for Luke.”
His hand found mine, squeezing it gently. “You don’t have to go through this alone, Ariel. I’m here for you, whatever you need.”
you, André. How’s
trying to stay strong for you and Luke, but I
she’s worried sick.”
grappling with Luke’s condition; her pain mirrored in my own. “I wish there was more
reassured me, tightening
really helped me a lot. Thank
curled into a gentle smile. “You don’t have to thank me, Ariel. I’ll always be here for
what.”
silence, our hands still together, but I took mine off his. He
tell you what happened not
me a curious look. “What’s that?”
tests to be sure.” I blurted out, unable to control my lips. I couldn’t
news, Ariel. I’m so glad to hear it. How are you holding up?”
mix of emotions swirling inside me. “I’m just… exhausted, I guess. But seeing him respond, even just a little bit, has given me hope. I
that too. You’ve been through so much together and never given up on each other. Luke’s
you so much, Andre.”
You don’t
think I do.” I smiled at
just have to pray that Luke regains consciousness.”
wait for
with his warm
this was great news; it was what
place where Luke and I had spent a wonderful time before all that terrific sh*t happened.
recently that I realized it wasn’t with me–that it was still at that cabin in the sprawling
up lifted a weight off my shoulders, but the exhaustion from the long day at the hospital still
still driving, and suddenly, something caught my eye–a figure in a hooded black robe standing not too far from my car. My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly slammed on the
car to a
car, my eyes scanning the surroundings frantically. But there was no one there. The road stretched out before me, empty and silent, with no sign
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