Ephemeral Reverie

A SOLACE WITHIN

CH13: A SOLACE WITHIN

As she sat on the edge of the hospital bed, she couldn't help but long to go home. The smell of antiseptics in the room suffocates her. As the door opened, she sat up, and the doctor's word echoed in her mind. "There's nothing much we can do in the meantime." Her heart pounded with a mix of fear and anxiety. The doctor handed her a piece of paper, which is the prescription for the medicine that she will need to take.

Looking at it, it all sounds so expensive. With a sigh, she crumpled the prescription slip in her hand, bothered by how she would buy all the medicine and afford to pay the hospital bills. She can't help but cry in confusion.

The door swung open as Soren and Zara entered. "What happened? "Zara asked, rushing towards her as she saw the tears streaming down her face.

"I don't know what to do anymore." Thalia continued to sob; everything is so difficult for her.

Soren gets the prescription in her hand, trying to straighten it out. She then snatches it from Soren's hand. She doesn't want to burden her friends; their staying here with her is already enough.

"It's okay. I'll find ways to buy them," Thalia said as she wiped her tears.

"Stay with me, Thalia. I'll ask mom to take care of you," Soren offered.

"Nah, she will be staying with me," Zara argued. Although it would feel different to stay at Soren's, it would be better to stay at Zara's, as her mother already knows her very well and she will not have a hard time adjusting.

Looking at Soren, she said, "It'll be better for me to stay at Zara's. Her mom already knows me, and I have stayed there since my dad abandoned me, so it will not be bothersome to them."

Nodding, Soren gathered her things as he slowly guided her out of bed.

As they made their way through the parking lot where Thorne's car was parked, Soren broke the silence. "Don't worry about the bills, Thalia. It's the least I could do."

"Yeah, we fight over who's going to pay. We even did rock-paper-scissors, but you know, Soren is usually competitive, so he won," Zara told her, leaving her in pure amusement.

She felt a flush of embarrassment. "I should be the one paying my own expenses. It's not fair; I'll pay you back soon."

"Fair or not, I don't care. It's already done, so don't bother to pay me; it's my choice. Just focus on getting better, alright? "His voice was demanding but still gentle.

The ride going to Zara's house was quiet. She felt serene at that moment and took the time to take a nap. She was in the backseat with Soren; his arm was wrapped around her, making her feel secure and comforted. Thorne was very focused on driving, while Zara barely looked at Thorne. By the time their eyes meet each other, they hurriedly avoid it, making her and Soren laugh.

She felt a little nervous as they arrived. It's been a long time since she last visited Zara's mother, Auntie Cathy. She longs for her warm hugs and soft voice.

"How are you feeling? The whole drive was draining," Zara asked, waiting by the door.

"Fine, I guess. Thanks for letting me stay here." Thalia forced a smile.

Soren and Thorne bid goodbye to her, but before she could come inside, she heard the two argue. "I am not your chauffer, Solex." They didn't hear the whole conversation as they went inside.

"You are always welcome here. Mom has been fussing over; she wants to see you so much," Zara said as she carried her things.

As soon as they entered the house, Zara's mother greeted her with a warm hug. "Thalia, it's good to see you. How are you feeling? "