𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐍, ʰᵃʳʳʸ ˢᵗʸˡᵉˢ

• 𝟐𝟑 - 𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

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i woke up at 6 a.m., the early hour feeling both unnatural and necessary. sleep had barely come after the events of yesterday, but i was determined to be there for harry. i wrapped myself in my warmest coat and headed out into the still-dark morning.

the streets were quiet, dusted with a thin layer of fresh snow, and i made my way to a small shop nearby. inside, i picked out harry's favorite chocolates and a bright, cheerful "get well soon" card.

it felt like a small gesture, but i hoped it would bring him some comfort.

by 6:30 a.m., i was back at the hospital, quietly making my way to harry's room. the corridor was empty, and the only sound was the soft hum of the fluorescent lights.

i entered the room as quietly as possible, the first light of dawn creeping in through the window. harry and liam were still asleep,

harry's chest was rising and falling gently with each breath. i set the chocolates and card on the small table next to his bed and gently reached for his hand.

as i held his hand, i heard him murmur in his sleep, "amélie." a soft, contented smile spread across his face. it made my heart skip a beat to know that even in his dreams, i was on his mind.

i sat beside him, not wanting to disturb him but eager to be near him. at about 8 a.m., i felt his hand twitch slightly, and his eyelashes began to flutter. slowly, his seafoam green eyes opened, focusing on me with a look of surprise and warmth.

"hey pretty boy," i said softly, leaning in to give him a gentle kiss on the forehead. "you're awake."

"amélie," harry said, his voice hoarse but filled with relief. "how long have you been here?"

"i got here at 6:30 a.m.," i replied, smiling as i brushed a curly stray lock of hair from his face. "i promised i'd be here first thing in the morning."

"you really didn't have to come so early," he said, his eyes still a bit groggy. "you must be exhausted."

"i wanted to," i said, holding his hand tightly. "it's important to me to be here for you."

"thank you beautiful," harry said, his smile growing as he looked at the chocolates and card. "you're the best."

"i'm just doing what i can," i said, my voice soft. "you've been through so much, and i just want to make things a little better. even if it's some shitty chocolates i found at the store."

his gaze lingered on the card and chocolates. "these look great. im the fucking luckiest man alive to have you."

"and i'm lucky to have you," i said, squeezing his hand gently and booping his nose . "how are you feeling?"

"sore, but better now that you're here," he admitted, his smile never wavering. "it makes everything seem a bit more bearable."

"i'm glad," i said, leaning in for another soft kiss. "rest as much as you can. we'll take things one step at a time."

"you're staying with me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"for as long as you need me," i assured him. "i'm not going anywhere."

"good," harry said, closing his eyes briefly as he settled back into the pillows. "that makes me feel a lot better."

as he drifted back to sleep, i stayed by his side, holding his hand and watching over him. the warmth of his hand in mine and the quiet of the morning made everything feel a little more hopeful.