Secrets | 5SOS

[12]

The morning sun filtered through the thin hospital curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. I stirred awake, blinking against the light. My brothers were still there, their faces etched with worry and fatigue. They must have stayed all night.

"Morning, Bella," Luke said softly, noticing I was awake. He handed me a cup of water. "How are you feeling?"

I took the cup, my throat dry. "A bit better, I guess. Thanks for staying with me."

"Of course," Ashton replied, his voice full of warmth. "We’re not going anywhere."

Calum stretched and yawned, looking like he hadn’t slept a wink. "Do you remember the summer we went camping, Bella?" he asked, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips. "You and I stayed up all night talking about the stars."

I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. "I remember. We made s'mores and told ghost stories. You were convinced there was a bear outside our tent."

Michael chuckled. "Yeah, and it turned out to be a raccoon. You were so brave, Bella. I’ve always admired that about you."

A warmth spread through me at their words, a stark contrast to the cold emptiness that had been my constant companion. "I miss those times," I admitted. "Everything felt simpler back then."

Luke pulled up a chair beside my bed. "We can still have those times, Bella. It might be different now, but we can find new ways to be happy. Together."

I sighed, the weight of my struggles pressing down on me. "I want to believe that. It’s just so hard. Some days, it feels like I’m drowning and I can’t see the surface."

Ashton’s expression turned serious. "We know, Bella. And we’re not expecting you to be okay overnight. Recovery is a journey, and we’re here to walk it with you. All we ask is that you don’t give up."

Calum nodded in agreement. "We’re in this for the long haul, Bella. Whatever it takes, we’ll do it."

Tears welled up in my eyes again, but this time they were tears of gratitude. "I don’t deserve you guys. You’re all so amazing."

Michael shook his head. "We’re family, Bella. You don’t have to earn our love or support. It’s unconditional. We’ll fight for you as long as it takes."

The door to the room creaked open, and a nurse stepped in with a tray of food. "Good morning, Isabella. I brought you some breakfast. It’s important to start your day with a good meal."

I looked at the tray, my stomach churning at the thought of eating. But then I looked at my brothers, their eyes full of hope and encouragement. I took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay. I’ll try."

As the nurse set the tray on my bedside table, Calum spoke up. "We’ll be here with you, Bella. Every bite, every step, we’re here."

I picked up the spoon, my hand trembling slightly. It was a small bowl of oatmeal, simple but nourishing. I forced myself to take a bite, the warmth spreading through me. It wasn’t easy, but I knew it was a step in the right direction.

"That’s it," Ashton encouraged. "One bite at a time."

As I continued eating, my brothers kept talking, sharing stories from our childhood, plans for the future, anything to keep my mind off the struggle. Their voices were a comforting presence, a reminder that I wasn’t alone.

After breakfast, a therapist named Dr. Williams came in to introduce herself. She was kind, with a gentle demeanor that put me at ease. "Hi, Isabella. I’m Dr. Williams. I’ll be working with you on finding healthier ways to cope with your emotions."

I nodded, feeling a mix of anxiety and hope. "Okay. I want to try."

Dr. Williams smiled. "That’s a good start. We’ll take things one step at a time, at your own pace."

The session began with simple breathing exercises, a way to center myself and manage the overwhelming feelings. My brothers stepped outside to give us some privacy, but their presence just beyond the door was a comfort.

Dr. Williams guided me through visualizing a safe place, a mental retreat where I could go when things felt too much. It was hard at first, but slowly, I began to picture a serene meadow, a place of peace and safety.

"Whenever you feel overwhelmed," Dr. Williams said, "I want you to close your eyes and go to this place. It’s your sanctuary."

After the session, my brothers returned, their faces full of curiosity and support. "How did it go?" Luke asked gently.

"It was good," I admitted. "It’s hard, but I think it might help."

Ashton smiled. "We’re glad to hear that. Remember, we’re here for you, every step of the way."

The rest of the day passed in a blur of visits from doctors, nurses, and more therapy sessions. It was exhausting, but each interaction chipped away at the walls I had built around myself. By the time evening rolled around, I felt a cautious sense of hope.

My brothers stayed with me, taking turns sharing stories and keeping my spirits up. It wasn’t a miracle cure, but their presence was a lifeline I desperately needed.

As the night deepened, I found myself reflecting on the day. It had been filled with small victories—eating breakfast, opening up to Dr. Williams, taking the first steps toward healing. It was overwhelming, but I wasn’t alone. My brothers were my anchors, grounding me in the storm of my emotions.

Lying in the hospital bed, I closed my eyes and let myself drift to the meadow in my mind.