Ariella Garcia is an 18-year-old girl who dreams of leaving her current situation behind and starting a new life. She's fiercely independent, and her love for nature and animals is unparalleled. She's always surrounded by people who care about her...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I opened my eyes but immediately shut them because of the bright white light surrounding me. It took me a few seconds before my eyes adjusted to the light.
I was staring at the white ceiling tracing the lines before I looked to my right side following the annoying beeping sound that a machine was making.
Tubes were coming out of me connecting with different machines showing different numbers.
My gaze landed on someone leaning his head on the bed I was lying on.
His face was turned towards me, sporting a light beard, and he looked utterly exhausted as he slept, dark bags under his eyes. His hand was clasped around mine, and no matter how I tried, I couldn't pry it away.
With my free hand, I gently ran my fingers through his hair, prompting a soft groan from him as he shifted.
A small chuckle escaped my lips, and I continued stroking his hair, which caused him to stir again. He muttered something unintelligible as I rubbed his scalp, sitting up slowly, his eyes still closed.
He yawned, and when he didn't open his eyes, I decided to try something else. "Alexandro," I whispered, loud enough for him to hear.
Slowly, he blinked his eyes open, staring at me for what felt like an eternity before his expression changed to one of disbelief.
"You're awake," he exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief, as he brushed a stray hair from my face. I attempted to speak, but my throat felt parched.
Sensing this, he quickly poured me a glass of water, helping me sit up. Alexandro held the glass to my lips, and I sipped carefully, trying not to spill. I couldn't help but notice his hand trembling slightly as he held the glass.
After giving me a drink, Alexandro placed the glass aside and settled into the chair next to my bed. He gently traced shapes on the back of my hand, giving his presence a comforting warmth.
"Hi baby," he whispered, his voice a soft melody in the quiet room.
A wave of emotions washed over me, manifesting in a broad smile. "I missed you," I admitted, a hint of unexpected shyness coloring my tone.
"I missed you more," he replied, his smile radiant yet tinged with the onset of tears, which he quickly brushed away.
"I'm sorry. I thought I was going to lose you," he confessed, his voice cracking slightly. A nervous chuckle escaped him as he pinched the bridge of his nose, attempting to regain his composure.
As I opened my arms to him, inviting him into an embrace, Alexandro didn't hesitate. He enveloped me in a tight hug, his warmth reassuring me "I'm here, and I'm alive," I affirmed, the words as much for myself as they were for him.
"How long have I been here?" I inquired, a sense of disorientation settling over me.
His response was met with a pang of guilt that flashed across his eyes. "Five weeks," he replied, his gaze shifting to our intertwined hands.
