Hold On I Still Need You

-Joy in The Little Things-

SONG: "Bundle of Joy" Inside Out 

*Ya'll we are BACK!! Let's GOOOOOO!" 

Sophie's POV:

Sitting in the waiting room was always the worst part, I never loved this part. The fear of the unknown. The room smelled faintly of antiseptic and lavender, a combination that always made my stomach churn. I glanced at the clock on the wall, the seconds ticking away in a rhythmic reminder of the inevitable. 

Keefe sat beside me, his usual smirk replaced by a rare look of concern. He caught my eye and gave a lopsided grin. "Hey, its going to be okay. You've got this," he whispered, squeezing my hand. 

I tried to muster a smile in return. Keefe always knew how to lighten the mood, but today, even his charm couldn't chase away the cloud of worry hanging over me. "Thanks, Keefe. I know." 

My parents, Edaline and Grady, sat across from us, their faces etched with their own brand of concern. Edaline reached out, her fingers brushing against mine. "Sophie, sweetie, Dr. Elwin is the best. He'll take good care of you." 

Grady nodded, his expression serious. "We're here for you kiddo, no matter what." 

I nodded, trying to absorb their words like a sponge, hoping they'd soak up some of my anxiety. Just then, the door to Dr. Elwin's office opened, and his familiar face appeared, bringing a small sense of relief. 

"Sophie, come on in," he said warmly, gesturing for us to enter. 

The examination room was just as I remembered – cluttered with charts and medical gadgets, yet oddly comforting in its familiarity. Dr. Elwin's gentle presence always helped to soothe my nerves, if only a little.

He began with the usual questions and checks, his expression growing more serious as he reviewed my latest test results. "Sophie, we've made some progress, but there are still some concerns we need to address," he said, looking up from his notes.

My heart sank. I had hoped for better news. "What does that mean?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Dr. Elwin glanced at my parents and then back at me. "It means we need to adjust your treatment plan. There are new symptoms that we need to monitor closely."

Keefe squeezed my hand again, his eyes filled with determination. "We'll get through this, Foster. We always do."

I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of fatigue and worry wash over me. The weight of my illness was a constant companion, but having Keefe and my parents by my side made it a little more bearable.

Keefe's POV:

Walking out of the Clinic, Edaline and Grady not far behind. I couldn't help but notice how tired Sophie looked. Her usual sparkle seemed dimmed, and the weight of exhaustion was heavy on her shoulders.I didn't like it. Not one bit.

I had seen her push herself so hard lately, juggling everything—dealing with her illness and trying to stay strong about it, trying to keep her struggles a secret from her other friends—and I knew she wasn't going to let anyone see how much it was taking a toll. But I could see it. And it hurts.

I needed to do something for her. It wasn't going to be much, but I could create some small moments that would give her a bit of happiness. I started to brainstorm—nothing too extravagant, just simple, unexpected things to help her forget the weight on her shoulders. Maybe I'd leave a silly note in her room or sneak her favorite treat into her bag when she wasn't looking. I could take her on one of those impromptu adventures, the kind that made her smile without even trying.