Storm

Chapter Twenty

"You can take a break if you need to," Carina carefully reminds as she follows by Maya's side while the blonde slowly crutches through the hospital hallways.

"I'm good," Maya states, although the shakiness of her body and the sharp inhales due to being out of shape say a different story.

But she's finally up and anything sounds better than getting back into bed.

Plus, she wants to go home, and learning to walk with crutches is her ticket out of the hospital.

Maya suddenly loses her balance, tripping, causing Carina to steady her by grabbing her arm. The brunette shoots her a look, one that Maya knows quite well.

She needs a break, whether she wants to admit it or not.

"Okay, you need to stop," Carina declares as Maya rolls her eyes.

"I'm fine, Carina. I just tripped, that's all," Maya explains frustratedly, not wanting to stop. She has so much time to make up for. Two months to be exact.

"You've been practicing for the last thirty minutes. You're tired," Carina states, deciding to make her voice appear much softer, hoping Maya understands that she's just looking out for what's best for her.

"I want to leave," Maya says, starting to walk again, causing Carina to follow her, the concern written across her face easily being detected. "And I need to practice in order to do so."

"You need a nap. A break isn't that big of a deal, bambina. You need some time for your body to recharge, and then you can try again," Carina explains, pausing as she sees Maya truly think about her words. "It will be an even bigger step back if you reinjure yourself because you're not listening to your body when it's telling you that it's tried."

"Fine," Maya grumbles, coming to a stop before rotating around and heading back the way they came.

"Grazie," Carina sighs, watching Maya's trembling body carefully in order to detect the possibility of a fall.

"I am kind of tired," Maya admits quietly, causing Carina to smile softly, proud that her wife is able to confess and talk about her feelings a little more.

"You're still recovering and rest is very important for you're recovery," Carina repeats what she's been saying these last few weeks. "You've done a lot of work today and it's only ten in the morning. It makes sense that you're tired."

"I really just don't want sleep in a hospital bed anymore. I miss our bed," Maya pouts and Carina nods in agreement.

"I do too. Hopefully there won't be many more nights here," Carina says optimistically.

Once they reach their hospital room, Carina holds open the door so Maya can make her way inside.

They have a little song and dance down now that she's been up on her feet, or foot, more, so as Maya sits on the edge of the bed, Carina takes her crutches, leaning them up against the wall as her wife gets situated underneath the covers.

"Can you lay with me?" Maya asks softly.

"Of course," Carina smiles lovingly as she saunters over to her designated side of the bed, sliding into Maya's side.

Almost as if their magnets, their bodies find each other quickly. And like a puzzle piece, they blend together, Maya tucking her face into Carina's neck as she rests her head on her shoulder. The brunette wraps her arm around Maya's body, holding her close as they sink into each other's embrace.

"I love you," Maya whispers before shutting her eyes, Carina grinning happily at her words, even if she's been told millions of times before. Each time she's told those three special words feels better than the last.