Silver-Lining (Ghost Riley x Reader)

Chapter twenty-three

A/n: my apologies for the slow updates again I've been really busy. But here is another chapter and it's a bit longer than the last one being about over 1500 words. I hope you guys enjoy and I'm sorry if the chapters are getting a little sucky, I will do better.

As the long few days passed, my time spent in the hospital consisted of pain meds, nasty hospital food, and short walks. The bruises had been healing nicely, only a hue of green beneath my flesh- barely even noticeable. I kept my mind on being more physically active. I wanted to regain my strength, but I was told to continue to allow my body to read.

I changed into loose clothing, the beige shirt and pants clung loosely to my sore body. "Better than the hospital gown," I mumbled. I hated how open the gowns were. It showed... Too much.

I peered down at the silver band on my wrist. I've had thoughts about throwing it away and chucking it against the wall. But I wouldn't allow myself to do that. So instead, I used it as a reminder to find the silver lining. I allowed the hate and anger to take over me. Although my blood boiled with rage toward Graves, I couldn't be mad at Ghost.

I allowed myself to feel my emotions. I knew I was still incredibly hurt, but I couldn't allow it to affect my healing process. A small knock echoed off the wooden door, filling my ears. A warm smile formed on my face as Gaz entered the room, a small stuffed bear in his hands. "Got me a present?" I grinned.

"Actually... It's from Ghost." He told me. My heart slammed against my chest repeatedly, as if a wrestler was bodyslamming the fuck out of it. "And this too." He held up a small note.

I reached out, gently taking the white sheet of paper between my forefinger and thumb. I flipped it open, reading the small letters etched in black ink, carefully aligning across the lines of the lined paper. My eyes skimmed over the three simple letters.

"Get well soon."

-  Ghost

Three simple words. But those three simple words could have meant so much coming from him. A man who hid behind a thin, black cloth mask. That very mask acted as a barrier that kept everyone out.

"Oh um-" Words tumbled from my dry mouth, forcing the lump in my throat to go fully down. "When you see him, tell him I said thanks." I finally found the words. I folded the paper neatly into a square and set it on the small table beside my bed. I set the small teddy bear on top, the fake fur soft against my fingertips, the edges ticking my skin slightly.

"You ready to go for a walk?" Gaz asked me. I flipped his hat on his head as I walked past. "Let's get going."

I heard Gaz chuckle softly as he readjusted his hat and caught up with my fast pace. The breeze was warm and welcoming, the bright sun rays crawled on my skin, and the warmth of the sun was comforting. There was a small garden that the hospital patients tended to. It was more so to keep them busy rather than to give the hospital a more welcoming look.

"You're gonna be released in a few days... Excited?" Gaz asked me, his row of white teeth showing as he smiled widely. "Very. As soon as I get back I'm going to scarf some Twix, I've really been craving it." I let out a groan at the thought of the delicious candy bar.

"Are you going to talk to Ghost too?" His tone shifted more toward serious, rather than playful. "A Twix bar would be more welcoming," I told him.

"You guys can't ignore each other forever." He pointed out. I let out a groan. "It's too much! I've never talked to someone after they completely shattered my heart. I'd rather go toe to toe with a fucking lion. Ghost would eat me alive before Mufasa would." I grumbled the last sentence, knowing somehow and someday, Ghost and I would have to work together again.