Fate || BENNIFER

Gratitude

Jennifer's P.O.V

Finally, the hospital loomed into view, its bright lights cutting through the night. My foot eased off the gas pedal, bringing the car to a steady stop in front of the emergency entrance. I turned off the engine, my hands trembling with a mix of relief and anxiety.

As I helped Ben out of the car, his weak form leaning heavily against me, two nurses rushed out. With practiced ease, they swiftly took over, guiding him towards a wheelchair and gently easing him into it.

Once inside, I found myself in a whirlwind of beeping machines and muffled conversations, an atmosphere of controlled chaos that seemed to slow down time while I waited.

It wasn't long before a doctor, clad in a white lab coat, approached me. He extended a hand towards me, introducing himself. I shook his hand, my grip tight with worry. He led me to a quiet corner, away from the hustle and bustle of the emergency room. With a calm and reassuring voice, he told me about Ben experiencing a very bad flu, its severity evident by the toll it had taken on his body.

"He's already on medication." He continued. "He should start feeling better soon."

Relief washed over me, mingling with the remnants of worry that still lingered within me. However, the doctor's words took a somber turn as he mentioned Ben's high fever and dehydration. He explained that Ben would need to stay overnight for observation, ensuring that his fever was brought under control.

I pushed open the door to Ben's room, and there he was, lying in the bed with pale skin and tired eyes. His dark hair was slightly disheveled, evidence of a restless night.

"Hey." I whispered softly as I approached him.

He managed a weak smile, his gaze lingering on me. My hand reached out to grasp his, instantly feeling the warmth of his skin against my own.

"You should go." His eyes widened in protest, his voice raspy as he whispered. "You'll get sick too."

"I don't care." I replied. "I can't bear the thought of leaving you alone here." My grip on his hand tightening. "Besides, they gave me a mask. I'll put it on."

My gaze softened. I knew firsthand that being hooked up to all those monitors and not being able to move wasn't fun. But having him there made it bearable. I wanted to do the same for him.

"Now, try and get some rest. I'll be right here." I leaned in to press a gentle kiss on his forehead.

Ben's eyes fluttered closed, exhaustion etched across his features. I sat down in the chair next to his bed, my hand clasped in his.

Ben's P.O.V

As I slowly recovered consciousness, the first sound that greeted my ears was the persistent beeping of the monitor, It seemed to echo through my mind. The noise pierced through the hazy fog that enveloped my thoughts, drawing me back to the present moment.

Even before I managed to pry my heavy eyelids apart, I could feel the weight of something pressing against my shoulder, and another against my stomach. My brow furrowed, my mind trying to comprehend the sensation. As my eyes fluttered open, I was met with a sight that both warmed my heart and filled me with a profound gratitude.

There, nestled against me on the hospital bed, lay Jennifer, her head resting gently between my chest and my shoulder, her arm draped across my torso. I found myself overwhelmed with a deep sense of affection for that woman, who had chosen to be by my side. And there she was, sleeping with an antibacterial mask on.

I mustered the energy to shift my head slightly, my lips tenderly brushing against the crown of her head. As she stirred from her slumber, her eyes fluttering open to meet mine, I couldn't help but smile.