Résonance: a LingOrm's Story

Chapter 15: Stay Here, Don't Go

The soft beeping of the heart monitor and the gentle hum of the air conditioning were the only sounds that punctuated the silence. Orm sat beside Ling's bed, her hand gently rubbing Ling's temple. Each touch was tender, each murmured apology laden with the weight of her anxiety and guilt.

"I'm so sorry, P'Ling," she whispered repeatedly, her voice trembling with every syllable. "Please wake up. Please be okay."

Ling's face was pale and her breathing steady, but Orm could tell from the way her chest rose and fell that she was still deeply asleep. Orm's eyes were red from hours of crying and lack of sleep, but she refused to leave Ling's side. Her only focus was to be there for the woman who had shown her so much kindness, even when she hadn't deserved it.

Ying had been a reassuring presence, offering to stay with Ling while Orm went to take care of her own needs. As the clock ticked closer to midnight, Ying finally decided to take a much-needed break and went to grab some dinner. She had promised to be back soon, but Orm had insisted on staying behind.

When Ying returned, she brought with her a comforting meal and a soft blanket. "I thought you might need this," she said, placing the food and blanket gently on the chair next to Orm. "You look like you haven't eaten in a while."

Orm accepted the food with a grateful nod, but her focus remained on Ling. "Thank you, P'Ying," she said quietly. "I just... I can't leave her."

Ying nodded in understanding. "I get it. But you need to take care of yourself too. Ling would want you to be well."

Orm gave a faint smile, appreciating the gesture. She wrapped herself in the blanket and took a few bites of the food Ying had brought. The warmth of the meal was a small comfort, but her mind remained fixated on Ling's condition.

Around midnight, Ling's eyelids fluttered open, her gaze slowly focusing on the room around her. Orm, startled by the sudden movement, rushed to her side. Her heart pounded as she saw Ling's eyes struggling to meet hers.

"P'Ling, you're awake!" Orm said, her voice a mix of relief and nervousness.

Ling tried to smile, though it was faint and weary. "Orm..."

Orm's eyes filled with tears again. "Yes, it's me. I'm here. How are you feeling?"

Ling's voice was barely a whisper. "Tired... but I'm okay. What... what happened?"

Orm took a deep breath, fighting to keep her emotions in check. "You've been sick. You had a really high fever. I'm so sorry I didn't... I should've explained things better. I was with Kim, and..."

Ling reached out weakly, placing a hand on Orm's. "It's okay, Orm. I didn't... I didn't understand. But now, I just... I'm glad you're here."

Orm squeezed Ling's hand gently. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying here with you. I'll take care of you."

For the next two days, Orm stayed at the hospital, skipping her classes and work. She knew she was risking her financial stability by not showing up, but she couldn't bear the thought of leaving Ling alone. She promised her coworkers that she'd take a double shift once Ling was better to make up for her absence. She'd cut back on her meal allowance and other expenses if she had to. All that mattered was Ling's recovery.

Every day, Orm would help Ling with her meals, adjust her pillows, and make sure she was as comfortable as possible. Ling's condition improved slowly, and Orm could see the color returning to her cheeks. It was a small but significant sign of progress, and it filled Orm with hope.

One evening, as Orm was sitting by Ling's bed, Ying walked in with a friendly smile. She had taken a break from her busy schedule to check on Ling and offer support.

"How's she doing today?" Ying asked, her gaze moving from Orm to Ling.

Orm looked up, exhaustion evident in her eyes. "She's better, but still very weak. I just want to make sure she gets all the care she needs."

Ying nodded, clearly impressed by Orm's dedication. "You've done an amazing job. She is lucky to have you. I've been telling her that she needs to relax and not worry about work for a while."

Orm gave a small smile. "I just hope she knows how much I appreciate everything she's done for me. I want to be there for her, just like she was there for me."

Ying's eyes softened as she looked at Orm. "I think she already knows. And don't forget to take care of yourself too. You've been running on empty."

Orm nodded, acknowledging the advice but not willing to leave Ling's side for even a moment longer. She stayed at the hospital throughout the night, working on her papers whenever she had a moment. The hospital's dim lighting and the soft beeping of the machines became her constant companions.

As days passed, Ling's health continued to improve, and Orm could finally breathe a little easier. The once-pale face was now showing signs of recovery, and Ling's energy was returning. Orm was relieved but still cautious, not wanting to push Ling too hard too soon.

One evening, as Orm was finishing up some last-minute work on her papers, she saw Ling's eyes following her. "Orm, you should get some rest," Ling said softly. "You need to take care of yourself too."

Orm looked up from her work, her exhaustion showing. "I'll rest when you're fully recovered, P'Ling. For now, you need me here."

Ling's smile was weak but sincere. "I appreciate it more than you know. But you've already done so much. Please, take care of yourself too."

Orm nodded, knowing that Ling was right. She was pushing herself too hard, and it was time to find a balance. As she continued to help Ling, she made a mental note to take care of her own well-being as well.

With each passing day, Ling's health improved, and Orm's anxiety slowly eased. She knew there would be challenges ahead, but for now, she was content to be by Ling's side, supporting her through recovery. And as she looked at Ling, Orm felt a deep sense of gratitude and relief, knowing that she had made a difference in the life of someone who had made such a difference in hers.