Hold On I Still Need You

-A Ray of Hope-

Sophie's POV: 

I sat in the stark white waiting room of the hospital, my fingers anxiously fidgeting with the hem of my shirt. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the air, and the hum of fluorescent lights buzzed overhead. I couldn't help but feel the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me like a lead blanket. Keefe sat beside me, his normally mischievous eyes clouded with worry. His leg bounced up and down, a telltale sign of his anxiety. Across from us, my adoptive parents, Grady and Edaline, wore matching expressions of concern, their hands clasped tightly together in a silent show of solidarity.

Even with the tense atmosphere, these visits have never been enjoyable, but they've become more bearable since Keefe discovered my secret. The dull appointments are always so boring, but having Keefe here with me makes them more fun. His playful banter helps me forget, even if just for a moment, about what's to come. Keefe hasn't missed a single appointment. He always tells me, "Foster, I don't want to miss a thing. You're too important to me. Every moment with you means a lot to me, and I'd hate to miss out on something special."

He's the sweetest. I have no idea what I would do without him. Before Keefe found out my secret, I was close to falling apart. Maybe Keefe finding out was a blessing in disguise. Edaline and Grady have been just as supportive as Keefe. They always make sure to attend the more important appointments.

Sitting nervously in my seat, I anxiously wait. Keefe gently takes my hand in his, letting me know that he's here beside me, giving the silent comfort I needed.

"Sophie Foster," the nurse called my name. Keefe and I stood up together and followed her to the room, with Edaline and Grady behind us. The nurse asked me, Edaline, and Grady the usual questions. "Alright, thank you. Dr. Elwin will see you shortly," she said before leaving the room. I let out a sigh, a small smile playing on my lips. I always enjoyed seeing Elwin; he had a way of brightening up the gloomy world around me.

Dr. Vacker is good too, but I have a soft spot for Elwin. He doesn't spend much time at the hospital, mostly at school, so I don't see him often here. I hold the school's record for the most healing center visits. I'm not sure if I should be proud or worried about that. I guess it's a mix of both—proud of the record but concerned about the number of visits. Oh well, go figure.

"Elwin works here?" Keefe asked curiously.

"Yeah, only part-time though. I don't see him very often here," I explained.

"Well, you do see him often at school though," Keefe joked, a smirk forming on his lips. I chuckled, knowing he wasn't wrong. "Yes, very true," I admitted, aware of how clumsy I am. I can't tell you how many times I've sprained an ankle or done something ridiculous. Biana said that my clumsiness astounds her sometimes. She's banned me from wearing heels, which is a good thing anyway. I didn't want to wear heels; those are Sophie Foster hazards. But then again, my own feet are Sophie Foster hazards.

The air in the room seemed to crackle with tension as Elwin entered with a somber demeanor, clutching a thick folder that held the secrets of my medical condition. His eyes, usually warm and kind, were now filled with a seriousness that made my heart skip a beat. "Sophie, I have the results of your latest tests," Elwin began, his voice steady but somber. "Your condition has worsened, and we need to act quickly to find a solution."

My heart pounded in my chest as Elwin explained the severity of my situation. I clung to Keefe's hand, seeking comfort in his presence as Elwin outlined a new, experimental treatment that offered a glimmer of hope. He detailed the science behind the treatment, the potential benefits it could bring, and the risks involved. Listening intently, I felt a whirlwind of emotions swirling within me - hope, fear, uncertainty. The unknown loomed ahead, casting a shadow over my thoughts.

"However, we have a treatment in mind that may help give you more time than the original six months. This has helped with similar cases to yours, so we are hoping that this may improve your condition. It won't go away fully until we get the cure we desperately need for you, but this will help give us more time," Elwin explained.

I thought about his words. This could possibly give me more time. But at the same time, we don't know if it could since the doctors can't promise it will all be okay. That's the most terrifying part.

"I'll give you a moment to talk about it and consider giving it a chance. It's probably your best bet right now," Elwin said before exiting the room.

I turned to Keefe, and Grady and Edaline. "What do you think?" I asked them, wondering what their thoughts were on this situation.

"Well, I'm here to support you in whatever you decide, Foster. I'm by your side no matter what," Keefe said reassuringly. I was grateful for his support.

"I'm concerned about this for sure because we aren't certain that this could help. But it's ultimately up to you, Sophie. Grady and I will support you in whatever you decide. Overall, we just need to have hope and courage through this tough trial in your life," Edaline said, and Grady nodded in agreement.

"Just know we love you, Sophie, and we will be happy with whatever you decide. We are here for you," Grady said.

I started to think about what this treatment had to offer me. Yes, it could help lessen the disease that's slowly ailing me and give me more time and a better chance of getting the cure. This was a difficult decision because we didn't know what could happen, but at the same time, this could be very beneficial to me. I knew in my heart that Elwin wouldn't suggest this treatment plan if it wasn't worth the risks. I wanted to fight against this horrible thing that was tearing me apart.

Elwin walked back into the room and asked if I had made my decision. I told him I accepted the treatment. "Good, we'll start it right away. Dr. Vacker and I will monitor you closely, which means we'll have to make these appointments more often." Elwin discussed the treatment schedule with us.

Once we got the schedule settled and ready, Elwin began the treatment, giving me my first injection of many. I had to hold onto Keefe's hand because I hate getting shots. Elwin got out the Band-Aids. "Whoops, sorry Sophie, looks like I only have Ducky Momo band-aids in here." I laughed at his expression. "It's fine, Elwin, better than nothing," I said with a smile. He placed the band-aid on and excused us to leave.

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Over the course of the next week, I underwent the new treatment with close monitoring. I found myself making frequent trips to the Healing Center at school. During this time, Keefe remained steadfastly by my side, offering his unwavering support, for which I was immensely grateful. His presence and comforting words meant the world to me, especially now.

The emotional toll of the treatment began to weigh heavily on me. One day after school, Keefe and I retreated to his secret ditching spot, a secluded haven where we could escape the world. Most of the students had gone outside or to their extracurricular activities, leaving us in peaceful solitude.

I sat there, tears streaming down my face, as Keefe's arms wrapped tenderly around me. He gently whispered words of comfort, his voice a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. "Shhh, Foster. I'm right here with you," Keefe murmured, placing a gentle kiss in my hair. I leaned into him, seeking his warmth and solace. He began to hum one of my favorite lullabies, a sweet gesture that helped calm my racing heart.

Keefe used his thumb to gently wipe away my tears. "Feeling better?" he asked softly.

"Yes, much. Thanks, Keefe," I replied with a small, grateful smile.

"Anytime, Foster. I'm always here for you," he said, giving me a gentle squeeze.

Later that day, Elwin called with unexpected news. The treatment was working, and I was showing signs of improvement. A sense of hope and happiness washed over me, a rare and precious feeling. I eagerly shared the good news with Edaline and Grady, the first positive update in what felt like an eternity.

For the first time in a long while, I felt like a ray of hope was shining down on me, whispering that things were going to be okay.

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"Come back I still need you." 

Keep Being Cool

-Ella