Eternally Yours

19. Breathe for me

Ren followed Hana into the supply closet, the small, sterile room providing a brief respite from the chaotic energy of the hospital. Hana away from the door, her back turned to him, her shoulders slumped.

"Nurse Shizumi," he began softly, his voice carrying through the quiet space. There was a moment of silence before she slowly turned to face him.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice sincere. "I didn't mean to cause you any trouble."

Hana shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. "It's not you," she managed to say. "It's just... everything."

Ren stepped closer, his hand reaching out to touch her shoulder, but he hesitated.

She finally looked up at him after a long while. Her eyes were red, and there was a vulnerability in her expression that tugged at his heartstrings. He did this to her. It was all his fault from the very beginning.

All Hana wanted was to live a quiet and invisible life but all that was gone. She was the object of discussion again.

"The voices...I just want them to stop. Why... won't they... leave me alone?"

Her hands were devoid of the gloves as she grabbed onto her hair. Pain... anything to ground her to reality as she felt herself float into her subconscious.

Ren's heart raced as he watched Hana's breathing become erratic, her eyes wide with panic.

"I...can't... breathe".

The sterile air of the supply closet suddenly felt thick and oppressive. Suddenly, she crouched to the ground, murmuring inaudibly to herself. He knew he had to act fast.

"Nurse Shizumi" His voice called out but she didn't respond to him.

"Shizumi"

Her lack of response was scaring him.

"Hana", he shouted this time much louder. Her eyes, glassy with unshed tears, flickered to his face. Thank Goodness...

"Hana," he said softly, his voice steady despite the worry clawing at his insides. "Look at me. Focus on my voice."

Ren took a slow, exaggerated breath, encouraging her to follow his lead.

"That's it," he murmured. "Breathe with me. In... and out."

Hana struggled to match his rhythm, her chest heaving. Ren cautiously reached out, his hand hovering near her arm, offering support without forcing contact.

"You're safe here," he continued, his voice a soothing anchor. "It's just us. No voices, no judgments. Just breathe."

Slowly, painfully slowly, Hana's breathing began to even out. Her fingers trembled as they brushed against Ren's, seeking comfort. He gently closed his hand around hers, a silent promise of support.

"I'm sorry," Hana whispered, her voice hoarse.

A tear slipped down Hana's cheek, and without thinking, Ren reached up to brush it away. The tender gesture seemed to break something inside her, and suddenly she was crying in earnest, her body shaking with loud sobs.

Acting on instinct, Ren pulled her into his arms. He half-expected her to push him away, but instead, she clung to him, burying her face in his chest.

"I'm... I'm...sorry"

"It's okay," he murmured into her hair, one hand rubbing soothing circles on her back. "I've got you. You're safe. Don't apologize. You have nothing to be sorry for."

Ren felt a pang of guilt. "I never meant for any of this to happen. The rumors, the attention... I should have been more careful. I should have..."

Hana clung tighter to him, the feeling of warmth was new and strange to her. She knew that it wasn't just Dr. Jenkins. It was... everything. Her past, present, the constant scrutiny. And now, it felt like she was drowning in expectations and whispers.