Sandali

A Secret Refuge

[COLET]

The sterile white walls of the hospital room felt like they were closing in on me. The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor filled the silence, a constant reminder of the near-tragedy that had unfolded on stage. Shame burned in my cheeks.

My eyes darted towards Maloi, her face pale on the hospital bed. Relief washed over me at the sight of her chest rising and falling with each shallow breath. Anxiety gnawed at me, but a comforting warmth bloomed in my chest as I recalled the way her hand had instinctively reached for mine when I arrived.

The hours ticked by, measured by hushed whispers amongst the girls and the occasional beep of a machine. Sheena and Aiah, ever the pillars of strength, tried their best to lighten the mood with nervous jokes and lighthearted gossip, but the tension remained.

When the doctor finally emerged from Maloi's room, his face etched with a seriousness that sent shivers down my spine, my breath caught in my throat.

But his words were a balm to my frayed nerves. "She's going to be alright." he began. A wave of relief washed over me, so intense it made my knees wobble. He explained the panic attack, a product of the overwhelming crowd and the stress of performing.

The doctor's instructions were clear - rest and observation. Aiah and Stacey volunteered to stay, their faces etched with concern, leaving me with a final squeeze of Maloi's hand and a promise to visit later.

Walking out of the hospital, the crisp morning air felt invigorating. Despite the exhaustion gnawing at my bones, a newfound determination burned bright within me. We had faced a challenge, a near-disaster that had exposed the vulnerability simmering beneath the surface.

Hailing a taxi, I debated where to go. A park? A cafe? Then it hit me - a place I knew Maloi frequented, a hidden haven tucked away in the heart of the city.

The bookstore cafe was a haven of tranquility, its shelves laden with stories waiting to be discovered. The scent of old paper and brewing coffee filled the air, a comforting aroma that soothed my nerves. I found a quiet corner, tucked away amidst towering bookshelves, and waited.

Moments later, Maloi entered, her body stiff and her face pale. Relief flooded me as she spotted me. A warm smile spread across my face.

"Hey," I greeted her softly. "I know the hospital isn't exactly your ideal hangout, but..."

"But this is perfect." she finished my sentence, a hint of a smile gracing her lips. She sat down opposite me, her eyes taking in the cozy atmosphere of the cafe.

We spent the next few hours lost in the world of books, sharing whispered recommendations and reminiscing about our shared love of literature. The quiet conversation, the familiar comfort of words, created a sense of intimacy that transcended the forced nature of our public image.

As the morning sun climbed higher, casting its warm glow on the cafe floor, Maloi finished reading a well-worn paperback. She closed the book with a sigh, a thoughtful expression etched on her face.

I couldn't help but steal a glance at her. With her hair slightly disheveled and a faint trace of worry lingering in her eyes, she looked... cute. The word echoed in my mind, a sudden realization that sent a jolt through me.

Despite the unspoken words hanging between us, a comfortable silence settled around us. Our eyes met, and a spark ignited, conveying a depth of emotion that words couldn't capture.

The future stretched before us, uncharted and uncertain. The constraints of BINI loomed large, a constant reminder of the limitations to our blossoming connection.