Twilight of Shadows | LingOrm (GxG)

THIRTY

Lada pushed open the door to Earn's hospital room gently while Narin's tiny hand clutched tightly in hers. The little girl was dressed in a cute pink dress with white lace trim, her hair tied up in two playful pigtails. Her favorite stuffed bear, Mr. Fluffles, was squeezed tightly against her chest. The room was bathed in the soft light of early afternoon, casting a warm, gentle glow over the stark, clinical surroundings.

Narin's eyes sparkled as she caught sight of Earn lying still in the hospital bed. Her excitement was palpable, but she hesitated for a moment, her voice trembling slightly. "Hi, Aunty Earn!" she called, her voice bright despite the tension.

"Shush, Narin!" Lada's voice was strained but gentle, her eyes full of concern as she tried to keep her daughter calm. "Aunty Earn is still resting. We should be very quiet so we don't wake her."

Narin's face fell, her excitement dampened by her mother's words. Her lower lip quivered slightly. "Sorry, Mommy," she said, her voice tinged with sadness.

But the sound of Narin's voice had not gone unnoticed. Earn's eyelids fluttered open, and she stirred slightly. She attempted to lift herself, but a sharp pang of pain shot through her body, causing her to wince. "Mmm..."

Lada was at her side instantly, her heart pounding with a mix of relief and concern. "Earn, you should stay down. You're still recovering. Don't worry about us."

"Help me," Earn managed to say, her voice hoarse, her eyes half-closed but focused on Narin. Her gaze was distant, not meeting Lada's. The sight of the little girl was like a beacon of hope amidst her haze of pain.

Lada quickly adjusted the bed to make Earn more comfortable, her movements tender yet filled with urgency. "Feel better? Are you more comfortable now?" she asked, her voice thick with emotion.

Earn simply nodded, her eyes never leaving Narin. "Come here, Princess. Miss me?"

Narin's face brightened at the sound of Earn's voice. She ran to the bed, clutching Mr. Fluffles tightly. "Mommy's going to put you on the bed, but you need to be gentle, okay? Aunty Earn is still in a lot of pain."

"Okay, Mommy!" Narin chirped, her eyes full of determination and love.

With careful precision, Lada lifted Narin and placed her gently beside Earn on the bed. Narin wasted no time, throwing her small arms around Earn in an eager embrace. The contact made Earn wince, a soft groan escaping her lips as the pain flared up.

"Ahhh..."

"Narin!" Lada's voice was sharper, laced with both worry and frustration. "Mommy told you to be gentle. You need to be careful not to hurt Aunty Earn."

Narin's eyes filled with tears as she pulled back slightly, her face full of remorse. "I'm sorry, Aunty Earn. I'll be gentle. I promise."

Earn's eyes softened, the pain momentarily forgotten as she reached out with a trembling hand to caress Narin's cheek. She leaned in, pressing tender kisses to Narin's forehead and both cheeks. "It's okay, Princess. Aunty Earn is not hurt. Well, just a little bit," she said, her weak laugh betraying the effort it took.

Narin's eyes were wide with concern. She hugged Earn as gently as she could manage, her stuffed bear nestled between them. The soft, worn bear was a comfort to her, and now it seemed to offer a small solace to Earn as well.

"I miss you so much, Aunty Earn. Here!" Narin's small voice trembled with a mix of excitement and nerves, as she held out Mr. Fluffles, her favorite stuffed toy. "I brought Mr. Fluffles for you. He makes me feel better when I'm sick. Maybe he'll make you feel better too."

Earn's heart twisted as she looked down at the worn, soft bear, a flood of emotions surging through her. The tenderness of the moment cut through her exhaustion, and her eyes misted over. She reached out, her hand shaking just slightly, and took Mr. Fluffles from Narin with a gentle touch. "Thank you, sweetie," Earn whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Mr. Fluffles will help. I know he will."