Hold On I Still Need You

-A Difficult Decision-

Sophie's POV: 

Sitting on the edge of my bed, I stared blankly at the floor, my mind swirling with the words Elwin had said earlier. Two options lay before me, both daunting. One promised a slim chance at recovery but came with brutal side effects that could break my body in unpredictable ways. The other seemed safer, offering stability but at the cost of my independence, imposing long-term limitations that would alter my life forever.

Closing my eyes, I tried to push back the rising tide of fear and doubt. There was no easy answer, no right choice, only the terrifying weight of an unknown future.

The door creaked open, and Keefe stepped in, his presence a quiet comfort in the heavy silence. He sat next to me, his warmth close but not overwhelming. I leaned into him, my breath shaky, seeking solace in his steady strength. For now, that was all I could hold onto.

When considering my treatment options, I was confronted with a difficult decision. Each option had its own benefits and drawbacks. The first choice was aggressive treatment, which could potentially lead to a full recovery and significantly improve my quality of life. However, it also carried the risk of severe side effects, such as permanent neurological damage and a high chance of organ failure. While the treatment offered hope for a positive outcome, it was a risky proposition with no guarantees. I had to carefully consider the potential benefits of recovery against the potential long-term consequences of the treatment.

Unfortunately for that option it's not the cure the doctors are wanting. But this is a potential solution for me.

On the other hand, the second, more cautious approach offers a less risky path. This treatment would allow me to maintain a higher quality of life for a longer period, as it comes with more manageable side effects. However, it doesn't offer the same chance for a complete recovery. The long-term prognosis is uncertain, which leaves me unsure about what the future holds. While it may preserve some semblance of normalcy, this option could prevent me from living a fully active life, limiting my ability to pursue my passions or live as I once did.

As I listened to Dr. Elwin's explanation, the weight of these choices struck me. The emotional reactions of my parents, Grady's visible worry, and Edaline's fear, only added to the pressure. Despite their support, their concern made the situation feel overwhelming. I was caught in a whirlwind of emotions: anger at the unfairness of it all, guilt for burdening my parents, and confusion over which option would truly be best for me. No matter what choice I make, it feels like I will lose something vital - whether it's the hope of full recovery or the ability to live life as I once envisioned it.

I retreat to my room after the meeting, the weight of the decision pressing down on me like a physical burden. Every step feels heavier, like I'm walking through thick mud. My mind races, jumping from one fear to the next, and I can't seem to find any clarity. I just need to be alone, but I know I'm not really alone. Keefe's footsteps follow me down the hall, quiet but certain. He doesn't say anything as he enters my room, just stands there for a moment, waiting.

I collapse onto my bed, and he's right there beside me. No words are exchanged, but he pulls me into his arms, and for a moment, everything outside the room disappears. I finally let the tears fall, all the confusion, the anger, and the fear spilling out of me.

"I don't know what to do, Keefe," I whisper through my tears, my voice barely a sound. "Every time I try to think it through, I just... get more lost. It's like no matter what choice I make, something important will be taken away. I'm trapped."

Keefe doesn't rush to fix it or offer solutions. He just holds me, letting me cry until there's nothing left to give. When the sobs slow, he gently pulls back, his hands still resting on my shoulders.