Risking it all (Lando Norris)

Chapter 34

Lily

As soon as Lando drifted off to sleep, I carefully moved away from him. I could tell he was in pain despite his efforts to hide it. I didn't want to cause him any discomfort by lying on his chest, so I settled back into the chair beside his bed. 

The chair wasn't exactly comfortable—it was the kind you find in every hospital room, stiff and barely cushioned—but I didn't care. All that mattered was being close to Lando, ensuring I was there if he needed anything.

The hospital room was quiet, the only sounds coming from the steady beeping of the monitors and the soft hum of the ventilation system. I sat back, watching Lando as he slept, his face finally relaxed after everything he'd been through. 

My mind kept replaying the crash in vivid detail—the moment he lost control, the sickening impact against the wall, and the agonising seconds that felt like an eternity as I waited for any sign that he was okay. 

I shuddered, trying to push those images out of my mind. He was safe now, and that was what mattered.

Throughout the night, I found myself waking up every hour or so, my eyes instinctively drifting to Lando. Each time, I breathed a sigh of relief as I saw that he was still peacefully asleep. 

His breathing was steady, and he seemed to be resting comfortably, but I knew the road to recovery would be long and challenging. I just hoped I could help him through it, be the support he needed.

By the time 6 a.m. rolled around, I was wide awake. The first light of dawn was just beginning to filter through the hospital window, casting a soft glow over the room. 

I knew I needed to freshen up and get a few things for Lando before he woke up, so I quietly slipped out of the room, careful not to wake him.

The hospital corridors were eerily quiet at this hour, and I walked quickly, eager to get back to the hotel and return before Lando stirred. When I arrived at the hotel, I quickly showered, trying to shake off the exhaustion that clung to me like a heavy fog. 

I grabbed some of Lando's clothes from his suitcase—comfortable ones, something that would be easy for him to wear—and packed a small bag with toiletries. I wanted him to have everything he needed when he woke up. I even slipped in a couple of his favorite snacks, just in case he was feeling up to eating later.

When I arrived back at the hospital, I immediately noticed two familiar figures standing at the front desk. My heart sank as I realised who they were—Lando's parents, Adam and Cisca. 

They both looked distraught, their faces etched with worry and fear. It was obvious they'd flown all the way from Bristol as soon as they'd heard about the crash.

I walked up to them, offering a small, reassuring smile despite the tension I felt. "Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Norris," I greeted them softly.

They turned to look at me, and I could see the relief in their eyes as soon as they recognized me. Cisca's face crumpled, and she looked like she was on the verge of tears, while Adam seemed equally concerned, though he was trying to keep it together.

"Lily," Cisca said, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke. "How is he?"

"He's okay," I replied, trying to sound as reassuring as possible, though I knew how terrifying the situation must be for them. "He's resting now. He's still in some pain, but the doctors are taking good care of him. I can take you to him."

They both nodded, their expressions still filled with worry as I led them down the corridor to Lando's room. As we got closer, I heard a commotion coming from inside—shouting, loud and panicked.