Stitches and Scars

Chapter 22

"In surgery, there is a red line on the floor that marks the point where the hospital goes from accessible to strictly restricted to all but doctors and nurses. This red line marks the moment in time when things go from normal to complete and utter chaos. This is the line that scares us the most, the line that separates the safety of the hospital from the unknown of the battlefield."

Karylle slowly stirred awake, feeling the morning sun filtering through the curtains of her bedroom. As she turned, she realized Sid was still asleep beside her. She watched him for a moment, feeling a pang of guilt in her chest. It had been almost a week since they started seeing each other casually, but thoughts of someone else still lingered whenever she was with him.

After a while, Sid stirred as well, opening his eyes to find Karylle already watching him. "Good morning," he greeted with a soft smile, leaning in to give her a gentle kiss on the lips.

Karylle returned the kiss briefly but then pulled away, a conflicted expression crossing her face. She sat up in bed, reaching for her robe and quickly slipping it on. "I should get ready for work," she said quietly as she avoided his gaze.

Sid propped himself up on one elbow, looking at her with a hint of disappointment. "Can't we stay a little longer? Maaga pa naman," he asked.

"I can't," Karylle replied, trying to be firm yet gentle. "I have work, and I know you have important meetings to attend to."

Sid sighed, running a hand through his hair. "How about we go out later, after your shift?" he suggested softly, his eyes searching hers for a hint of agreement. "Susunduin kita."

Karylle hesitated, her thoughts momentarily clouded by conflicting emotions. But after a brief pause, she nodded slowly. "Okay," she relented, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Before Karylle could step towards the bathroom, Sid gently reached out and caught her arm. His concern was evident in his eyes as he asked, "Karylle, are you okay?"

Karylle felt guilty for her conflicting emotions but managed to muster a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just need a quick shower. Feel free to grab coffee downstairs bago ka umalis," she replied, trying to sound reassuring.

Sid nodded, his expression softening as he leaned in for another quick kiss. Their lips met but Karylle pulled back slightly, lingering for a moment longer before gently disentangling herself from his grasp.

"I'll catch you later, okay?" she said casually as she finally made her way to the bathroom, leaving Sid to ponder her response and their unspoken dynamics.

~•~•~•~

As Karylle entered the kitchen, Anne and Angel were already there, chatting quietly over their morning caffeine fix. She poured herself some coffee into her cup and grabbed a slice of leftover pizza that her roommates had heated up.

"Sid went home early," Anne said, noticing how Karylle seemed a bit distracted.

Karylle nodded absentmindedly, taking a sip of her coffee. "Yeah, he had some things to take care of," she replied vaguely, trying to shift the focus away from herself.

Anne exchanged a knowing glance with Angel before continuing their conversation, "He does seem sweet. Plus points for making you smile, at the very least," she added, observing Karylle with a hint of teasing in her tone.

"Does Sid know about your situation? Nasabi mo ba sa kanya?" Angel chimed in, pointing her lips subtly towards Karylle's stomach.

Karylle froze mid-bite. She glanced nervously at Anne, who was watching them intently. Swallowing hard, Karylle set down her cup, her mind racing for a response.