𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞

4

"What are you talking about?!" I tried my best to stay as quiet as possible as I whisper yelled to the person on the other side of the line.

A loud sigh was let out, and it only made my anger spike up more.

"Listen Zina, you can't miss any more school then you have already. They won't let you pass." Eleandro tells me in a calm voice while my whole body screams the opposite. "Diego won't wake up anytime soon, and even if he does, you won't be of any help even if you are there." He tries to explain as best as possible.

But it all sounds like nonsense to me. Of course I want to be there when my brother wakes up. I need the reassurance he's okay, and I don't want to leave him and move on with my life like this.

"You clearly are deluded if you actually think I'm just going to give in without a fight." I exclaim in frustration, and I know that were it anyone else on the other side of the line, I'd never dare speak to them in such a way.

"Zina, it's not up for discussion." Eleandro states in a stern voice. "You need to pass this school year, and it's not going to work if you miss any more days."

Trying to calm myself, I feel my nails prodd into my palm.

"Fine. But don't expect me to be anywhere else than his hospital room outside of school." I give in, before pressing the red button and hanging up on him.

Loosening a very heavy sigh, I toss the phone at the foot of the bed, and let myself slump in place.

I don't want to not pass this year, but I feel like I can't just go to school while my own blood is laying in the hospital. Although Eleandro is right when he says I can't do anything for him, I still feel like he needs me. I feel like I'll disappoint him when he wakes up and I'm not by his side.

He was by my side when I needed him. He never left me laying there alone. He was there when I woke up and when I went to bed again. He remained in my room when the sound of my voice couldn't comfort him. And I won't be there to do the same for him.

I know Diego is strong. I know he's ten times stronger then I was when it was me laying in the hospital. I know he'll probably not feel the same type of fear when he wakes up in that place, but I can't help but wanting to still be there for him, just in case.

Caught up in my thoughts, I don't notice when there's a sliver of movement behind me, and I feel my back muscles contract when I feel a hot hand warm my skin.

A sleepy head pops up from underneath the duvet next, and I turn my head towards him so I can see his reaction right when he wakes up.

I can see him having trouble trying to pry open his eyes, but when he does and those green irises appear, it almost takes my breath away.

"Why are you awake?" I hear him whisper in a rasp voice. He looks behind him at the clock on his bedside table, and frowns.

"It's only 7 am." He states with a questioning glance towards me.