Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 36

Scene: Hospital Room, Later That Day

As the nurse who came to check on Buck left the room, Bobby and Athena resumed their seats, keeping a vigilant watch over Buck and Eddie who fell back asleep. The sun light filtered softly through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. Eddie stirred slightly, adjusting his position in the chair but still managing to get some much-needed rest.

A gentle knock on the door interrupted the quiet. Bobby and Athena exchanged glances before Bobby stood to open it. Maddie stood there, her face pale and eyes red-rimmed from crying. She looked both terrified and relieved to see them.

Maddie: "I’m so sorry I couldn’t come sooner. I was just so scared."

Bobby stepped aside to let her in, his expression compassionate.

Bobby: "It's okay, Maddie. Come in. He needs you now."

Maddie nodded, tears streaming down her face as she approached her brother’s bed. She took in the sight of Buck, lying so still, his arms bandaged and his face marked by pain and fatigue. She pulled up a chair and sat beside him, her heart breaking at the sight.

Maddie: "Oh, Buck..."

She reached out hesitantly, careful not to disturb his injuries, and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. Her touch was light, but it conveyed all the love and worry she felt.

Eddie stirred, waking up as he felt the presence of someone new in the room. He looked up and saw Maddie, her face streaked with tears, and immediately understood her fear and pain.

Eddie: "Maddie… He’s going to be okay. He’s strong."

Maddie nodded, though she couldn’t stop the tears from falling. Athena and Bobby exchanged a look, silently agreeing to give her some privacy. Athena gently placed a hand on Maddie’s shoulder before she and Bobby stepped back, moving to the far side of the room.

Athena: "We’ll be right over here if you need us."

Maddie barely registered their words, her focus entirely on Buck. She leaned in closer, her voice trembling.

Maddie: "Buck, it’s me, Maddie. I’m right here."

Her tears fell onto the bedsheet, each drop a testament to her love and fear for her brother. Buck’s eyelids fluttered, and he slowly woke up, his eyes finding Maddie’s face. Despite the pain etched across his features, he mustered a weak smile.

Buck: "Maddie..."

His voice was raspy, and speaking clearly caused him visible discomfort, but he tried to hide it. Maddie’s heart broke at the sight.

Maddie: "Shh, don’t talk. Just rest, okay?"

Buck: "I… I’m sorry I scared you."

Maddie shook her head, her tears falling faster now.

Maddie: "No, Buck, don’t apologize. I’m just so glad you’re here. I was so scared."

Buck tried to lift his arm to comfort her, but the pain was too much. He winced, a low groan escaping his lips despite his efforts to suppress it. Maddie saw the pain in his eyes and felt her heart ache even more.

Buck: "It’s okay, Maddie. I’m… I’m going to be okay."

Maddie: "You better be. I need my little brother to be okay. I love you."

She leaned in, resting her forehead gently against his, her tears mingling with his sweat. Buck closed his eyes, finding comfort in her presence despite the pain coursing through his body.