Stuck with YOU || BECKFREEN/FREENBECK STORY

Chapter 52

"Author's POV"

Rebecca stayed by Saroj's bedside, gently wiping the older woman's forehead with a warm towel. The room was quiet, only the faint hum of the hospital machines filling the tense air. It had been a week... a long, exhausting week, since the accident. Becky visited every day — morning, afternoon, night — no matter how tired she was.

She didn't complain once.

Because she knew Freen wouldn't.
Because someone had to be here.

Saroj opened her eyes half-way, her breathing slow but steady.

"Becky..." she whispered, voice fragile like paper.

"Yes, ma'am?" Becky immediately leaned forward.

"Look after my daughter... she's pretending..." Saroj whispered, her lips trembling, "pretending to be strong again."

Becky swallowed a tight knot in her throat. She knew. She always knew. Freen ran around carrying responsibilities like weights tied to her ribs — but inside, she was breaking in places Becky could never reach unless Freen let her in.

"I promise," Rebecca whispered, her fingers brushing gently over Saroj's hand. "I won't leave her."

Saroj gave a small smile — tired, knowing, grateful.

Then the door opened.

Freen stood there, still wearing her navy corporate suit, hair messy, eyes exhausted. She looked... drained. As if the entire world had pressed down on her shoulders all at once.

Rebecca stood immediately.

"Babe," she called softly.

Freen didn't speak. She just walked, slow and heavy, straight into Becky's arms.

Rebecca wrapped her tightly, one hand on the back of Freen's head, pulling her close.
Freen's body shook — not visibly, but Rebecca felt it. A quiet trembling. Fear hiding under her ribs.

"It's okay... I'm here," Rebecca whispered.

Freen breathed against her shoulder.
But she didn't say anything.

Not yet.

She wasn't ready.