Hold On I Still Need You

-Sophie's Final Wish-

Sophie's POV:

I can feel the weight of every breath now, each one a little harder than the last. The beeping of the machines is almost soothing in its predictability, but it doesn't drown out the knowledge that I don't have much time left. The doctors have said it's coming, and I know they're right. I'm not afraid, though. Not really. I've made my peace. But there's one thing left I need to do, one final wish I have.

I turn my head slowly and see Keefe sitting beside my bed. His eyes are red, but his smile is soft. I don't want him to be sad. I don't want anyone to be sad. I just want to be with them, surrounded by the people I love, laughing and reminiscing.

"Keefe," I whisper, my voice barely audible. "I want to be with them. All of them... while I still can."

He looks into my eyes and squeezes my hand without saying a word. "I'll make it happen, Sophie. I promise."

The door creaks softly as it opens, and I turn my head, a smile pulling at my lips despite the tightness in my chest. Biana and Fitz step in together, their eyes immediately filling with a mixture of sadness and concern. Their presence is a quiet storm of emotions, and I can feel the weight of it, even in my weakened state.

They don't say anything at first. Fitz's gaze lingers on me for a moment too long, and I can see his composure wavering, the stoic façade he usually hides behind cracking at the edges. Biana's lip trembles just a little as she steps forward, trying to mask the tears that are already threatening to spill.

"Hey," I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper but still carrying that familiar, unshakable determination. "I'm not going anywhere yet, so don't get all gloomy on me."

Biana gives me a shaky smile, but her eyes are already glassy. "We just... we weren't ready to come in and see you like this," she admits softly, sitting beside me, her hand brushing against mine. "You've always been so strong."

I squeeze her hand gently, my smile softening. "You've seen me weaker, remember? It's just... different now."

Fitz clears his throat, stepping a little closer to the bed, his usual stoic expression giving way to an unspoken pain. "So, uh... remember that time we were supposed to meet up for that study session, but you got so caught up in your book that you didn't even realize we were waiting for hours?" he asks, trying to steer the conversation to something lighter. "I swear, you had no idea what was going on until Biana and I practically dragged you out of the library."

I laugh softly, the sound a little raspy but genuine. "I was so into that book, you know how it goes. Honestly, I didn't even realize you guys were there! I thought I was alone in the study room until you both started yelling at me."

Biana chuckles, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "You were so absorbed. It took like fifteen minutes before we could even get your attention. Honestly, I thought you were going to skip the entire session."

Fitz grins. "Yeah, well, we were pretty close to giving up. But then you gave that ridiculous excuse about not seeing us because we were 'too quiet.'"

I roll my eyes playfully. "Hey, it was a good book, okay? I don't remember the last time I was that into something. I'll make it up to you guys—next study session, I promise."

Biana smiles, but there's a hint of sadness behind her eyes. "We've had some good memories," she says quietly. "I'm glad we had that time together."

Fitz nods, though his face is tight with emotion. "You always know how to make us laugh," he says softly.

After a while, when their visit winds down, I feel a sense of peace. The room isn't so cold anymore. We may not have had all the time in the world, but we had these moments, and I wouldn't trade them for anything. "Thanks for being here," I whisper as they stand to leave.