Ocean Love

Chapter 13

The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting soft, golden light over the city as Marlia made her way to the hospital. She had spent most of the night tossing and turning, unable to shake the image of Dylan’s weakened form from her mind. Despite his usual confidence, there had been something vulnerable about him in that moment, something that tugged at her in a way she couldn’t quite explain.

When she arrived at the hospital, the early morning quiet hung in the air, broken only by the occasional footsteps of nurses and the soft beeping of machines from patient rooms. She hesitated at the door to Dylan’s room, wondering if it was too early to visit, but then she heard a familiar voice behind her.

“Well, well, look who’s here so bright and early,” Sarah teased, her voice laced with playful mischief.

Marlia turned, startled to see her friend. “Sarah! What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” Sarah replied, crossing her arms with a smirk. “You never told me who you were visiting so early.”

Marlia hesitated, not wanting to reveal too much. “It’s… just someone I know. I wanted to check in on them.”

Sarah raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Someone you know, huh? You’re being awfully secretive about it. Come on, Marlia, who is it?”

“It’s not a big deal,” Marlia said, trying to brush off Sarah’s curiosity. “Just someone who needs a bit of company.”

Sarah gave her a skeptical look, but before she could pry further, the door to Dylan’s room creaked open just then, and a nurse stepped out, giving Marlia a polite nod.

“He’s awake if you’d like to see him,” the nurse said before moving on to her next task.

Marlia shot Sarah a look, silently telling her to drop the subject, before turning and stepping into Dylan’s room.

Dylan was propped up in bed, his skin still a bit pale, but he looked better than he had the day before. His eyes flicked up to meet hers as she entered, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

“Morning, Marlia,” he said, his voice softer than usual. “Come to check on me again?”

She hesitated for a moment, glancing at the small bouquet of flowers on the bedside table—clearly not something Dylan would have chosen for himself. “How are you feeling?” she asked, ignoring his question.

“I’m fine,” he replied, waving a hand dismissively. “Probably ready to get out of here if you ask me.”

Marlia gave him a skeptical look, crossing her arms. “You fainted yesterday after using your powers. You need to rest.”

Dylan sighed, leaning back against the pillows. “I know, I know. But hospitals aren’t really my thing. They make me feel… confined.”

Marlia didn’t respond immediately, but she could feel a strange sense of calm being around him, even though she would never admit it out loud. She couldn’t deny that she felt different—more relaxed—in his presence. But she kept those feelings buried, not wanting to give them too much importance.

Just then, Sarah poked her head into the room, a curious look on her face. “So, this is who you’ve been sneaking off to visit?”

Dylan chuckled, though the sound was weaker than usual. “Nice to meet you, too.”

Marlia sighed, knowing there was no hiding it now. “Sarah, this is Dylan. He’s… someone I’m responsible for.”

Sarah’s eyes narrowed playfully. “Responsible, huh? Is that what you’re calling it?”