Captivated Desires

45

As Reign entered the waiting room, he was greeted by the sight of their children playing with Olympia's kids under her watchful gaze. The kids' cheerful laughter contrasted sharply with the tension in the air. Azar was sat next to Olympia, nursing a cup of coffee and looking deep in thought. 

As Reign approached, Azar turned in his seat, an expression of concern on his face. "Hey, how is she doing?" he asked quietly, even though the kids were engaged in their game and not paying much attention to the adults.

Reign let out a weary sigh, rubbing a hand over his face. "She's... hanging in there," he replied, the exhaustion clear in his voice. "But the infection hasn't gone yet. The doctor wants to keep her for a few more days."

Azar's expression darkened visibly, his eyes narrowing with worry. "Damn," he muttered under his breath. "That's not good. You okay?"

Reign huffed out a brief, humourless laugh, his expression weary. "Just dandy," he said dryly. "Not like the love of my life's in the hospital with an infection that could potentially kill her, and I can't do a damned thing about it."

His voice was laced with frustration and a hint of anger. But not at anyone in particular - it was just the situation, the feeling of helplessness, that was driving him crazy. Azar gave a sympathetic grimace, clearly understanding the weight his friend was carrying.

"Hey, Reign, look at me," he said gently, pulling his friend's gaze back to him. "She's strong, alright? She's survived hell and back, she'll make it through this infection too."

Reign nodded reluctantly, though the worry in his eyes didn't dissipate. "I know," he said quietly. "But she's also exhausted, physically and emotionally. And that makes it harder for her body to fight the damn infection."

He sat down heavily in a chair next to Azar, running a hand over his face. "I just hate seeing her in that hospital bed, hooked up to those machines. I hate seeing her in pain, and knowing there's not a damn thing I can do to fix it."

He glanced over at the kids, who were still oblivious to the gravity of the situation, still playing happily together. "And the kids," he added, his voice laced with worry. "They keep asking when she'll come home. How do I explain to them that she might be stuck in the hospital for longer than we thought?"

Azar placed a comforting hand on Reign's shoulder. "They'll understand," he said reassuringly. "They're smart kids. They know their mom's going through a tough time. Just tell them as much as they can understand, and that you and her are doing everything you can to make sure she gets better soon."

Reign let out another sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly under the weight of the worry. "I just need her to get better," he said softly. "I need her healthy and home. I don't know what I'd do if..." He trailed off, his voice cracking slightly. He didn't dare finish the sentence, didn't want to even entertain the thought.

Azar squeezed Reign's shoulder. "She will get better," he said firmly. "You need to keep the faith, amigo. You need to believe she's strong enough to kick this infection's ass."

Reign looked at him for a few moments, his expression reflecting his internal struggle. But eventually, he gave a small nod. "You're right," he acquiesced, his voice strengthening slightly. "I have to keep believing she'll make it through this. Because the alternative... I can't even think about it."

Olympia, who had been sat listening to the conversation, chimed in. "She will pull through, Reign," she said firmly. "Reina is one of the strongest women I've ever met, and she has you and the kids to fight for. That's a powerful motivation."

Reign looked over at Olympia, offering her a grateful smile. "Thanks, Pia," he said sincerely. "And for taking care of the kids for us, you too, Azar. We really appreciate it."

Willow came over to him with her pacifier in her mouth "Daddy-" Reign looked down at his little girl, immediately feeling a wave of affection. He crouched down to be at eye level with her. "Yes, cariño?" he said softly, ruffling her hair affectionately.

Willow looked up at him with big, innocent eyes, her pacifier bobbing in her mouth. Her small hands reached out to grasp the fabric of his shirt as if seeking comfort. "Mama," she said, her voice soft and childish around the pacifier.

Reign's heartstrings tugged at the mention of my name. He gently pulled Willow onto his lap, cuddling her close. He knew she must be missing me a lot, likely picking up on the worry and tension in the family.

"Mama's not feeling well, sweetheart," he said quietly, stroking her hair as he held her. "She's in the hospital. But she's going to get better, okay? She's just going to be there for a little while longer, but she'll be back home soon."

Willow looked at him for a moment, her young brain trying to understand what he was saying. She seemed to understand that I wasn't well and was in the hospital, but the reality of it all was probably hard for her to grasp. She snuggled into his chest, her small, warm body seeking comfort.

Reign held her close, rocking her gently, trying to soothe her as best he could. He knew the worry and uncertainty were difficult for all the kids, but especially for Willow, who was so young and didn't quite understand what was happening.

"Mama's going to be okay," he repeated, more for his benefit than Willow's. He kissed the top of her head, his mind drifting back to me, alone in the hospital room, battling the infection. "Mama's stronger than anything," he murmured, his voice a soft, steady promise.

Willow looked up at him with her big, innocent eyes, her small hand reaching out to pat his cheek. "Love mama," she said gently, her simple statement cutting straight through him.

Reign's heart tugged at Willow's innocent words. The simple declaration of love, not understanding the gravity of the situation, but feeling the absence of me nonetheless.