Twilight of Shadows | LingOrm (GxG)

TWENTY NINE

Lada stood in the hallway, her heart pounding as she waited. Her hands were damp, her breath shallow. Every second felt like an eternity as she stared at the door to Earn's room. She had seen Earn move, felt that flicker of hope.

Dr. Vann emerged from the room, her face calm but her eyes betraying a hint of warmth. Lada's anxiety boiled over as she rushed forward. "Is she...?"

Dr. Vann nodded, a gentle smile on her lips. "She's showing signs of waking up. Not fully conscious yet, but she's responding. You can go in now."

Lada's legs almost gave way as she hurried into the room. Her eyes locked onto Earn's still form. Earn's eyes fluttered weakly, struggling to open. Her chest rose and fell in shallow breaths. Lada's heart ached at the sight.

"Earn?" Lada whispered, her voice trembling as she reached out, her fingers brushing Earn's cheek. "Earn, can you hear me? It's me... It's Lada."

Earn's eyes tried to focus, her lips parting as she managed a barely audible whisper. "Narin..."

Lada's breath caught. "Narin?" she repeated softly, leaning closer. "She's okay, Earn. She's safe. She misses you so much."

Earn's eyes tried to track Lada's face, her voice strained. "How... is she? Is she okay?"

Tears welled up in Lada's eyes. "She's okay, I promise. She asks about you every day. She loves you so much."

Earn's lips trembled. "I... I missed her..." Her voice faded, and she closed her eyes, visibly exhausted. Lada watched, her heart aching as she saw Earn's frail state.

"Are you thirsty, Earn?" Lada asked gently. "I can get you some water."

Earn's eyes fluttered open, barely focusing. "Water..." she croaked.

Lada's heart leapt. She moved swiftly to the bedside table, her hands shaking slightly as she prepared a cup of water. She placed a straw in it and carefully brought it to Earn's lips.

"Here, Earn," Lada said softly. "Just sip a little. It'll help."

Earn struggled to sip from the straw, her movements slow and labored. Lada held the cup steady, guiding it gently. After a few sips, Earn pulled away, her eyes closing as if the effort had drained her.

"I want to... to see Narin," Earn whispered.

Lada's heart tightened. "Yes," she said softly, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'll bring Narin over later today. She's been asking about you every day. I promise, she'll be overjoyed to see you."

She brushed a stray lock of hair from Earn's forehead, lingering a moment longer. "I'll make sure she's here as soon as I can. You just rest a little longer, okay? We all need you to get better."

Earn didn't respond. She simply closed her eyes again, drifting back into sleep. Lada stood there, her heart aching, watching Earn's steady breathing. She had dreamed of this moment, but now it felt different, distant.

Lada leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Earn's forehead. She closed her eyes, pouring all her love and hope into that kiss. "I need to go home and bring Narin to you," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Wait for me, okay? I promise I'll be back soon."

She knew Earn couldn't hear her, but she needed to say it anyway. Earn remained still, her breathing steady, her face serene as if she had slipped away once more.

With a heavy heart, Lada straightened up and walked toward the door. Her footsteps echoed in the quiet room. She placed her hand on the doorknob, hesitating just a second, a silent prayer on her lips.

As she closed the door behind her, Earn's eyes fluttered open. Her gaze was unfocused at first, but slowly, it sharpened. She stared at the ceiling, her mind clouded with confusion and exhaustion.

Earn's hand twitched, her fingers curling into the sheet beneath her. A pang of guilt and longing struck her heart. Memories of the past two years surged through her—her decision to leave, the emptiness she had tried to escape, the distance she had put between herself and everything she once loved.

She thought of Lada's face, the love and desperation in her eyes, the tender kiss on her forehead. But now, it felt like a distant memory. Earn want to see Narin, to hold her, to reassure her. But even that felt hollow, overshadowed by the weight of her past decisions.

Earn closed her eyes, trying to shut out the overwhelming emotions. She couldn't escape the guilt, the fear, the uncertainty.