MOMENTS

PNEUMONIA PART 3

As the doctor entered the room, Gar sat at Raven's bedside, still holding her hand tightly. He looked up, the anxiety clear in his expression as the doctor approached.

"How is she?" Gar asked, his voice filled with concern.

The doctor gave a small nod, his expression serious but not without kindness. "She's stable, but her pneumonia is severe. We need to keep her here for a few days to monitor her progress and make sure the medication continues to help her breathing."

Raven's grip on Gar's hand tightened, and she turned her head slightly, her eyes half-lidded but showing the fear she was trying so hard to hide. Tears started to well up in her eyes, and she blinked rapidly, trying to hold them back.

Gar noticed the shift in her, how her body tensed with a fear she rarely showed. "Hey, Rae, it's gonna be alright," he whispered, leaning closer. "You're in good hands here, okay?"

But she didn't respond. Her eyes were fixated on the space around her, the sterile smell of the hospital and the steady beeping of machines adding to her unease. She didn't want to be here, not alone.

Gar squeezed her hand gently, giving her a reassuring smile. "I'm not going anywhere, alright?"

Raven's eyes, full of unshed tears, finally met his. Her voice cracked as she whispered, "Don't leave..."

The raw vulnerability in her voice made Gar's heart ache. He brought her hand up to his lips, kissing it softly. "I won't leave, Rae. I'm right here, I promise."

But he knew the hospital rules—visiting hours, policies about staying overnight. He didn't want to risk being asked to leave, especially not when she needed him most. Turning to the doctor, he cleared his throat. "Is there any way I can stay with her? She's... she's scared, and I don't want her to be alone."

The doctor paused, looking between Raven's tear-filled eyes and Gar's determined face. He understood the weight of Gar's request—he had seen this kind of situation before, where the presence of a loved one made all the difference in recovery. After a moment of consideration, he nodded.

"Given the circumstances, I think we can make an exception," the doctor said, his voice gentle. "You can stay with her, but please follow our guidelines and make sure she rests."

Gar let out a breath of relief, his shoulders relaxing for the first time that night. "Thank you, doctor. I really appreciate it."

Once the doctor left the room, Raven let out a shaky breath, her tears spilling over as she looked up at Gar. "You really... you're staying?"

He nodded, leaning closer and brushing a tear from her cheek with his thumb. "Of course, Rae. I told you, I'm not going anywhere." He shifted in his chair, moving closer to the bed so he could hold her hand more securely. "I'm gonna stay right here, and you're gonna get better. We'll get through this together."

Raven's lips trembled, her voice barely above a whisper as she closed her eyes and leaned into the warmth of his presence. "I was so scared..."

"I know, love. I know." Gar gently ran his fingers through her hair, the action soothing both of them. "But you're strong, Rae. You're gonna get through this. And I'll be right here with you, every step of the way."

She didn't respond, only let out a shaky breath as she closed her eyes again, the tears still slipping down her pale cheeks. Gar climbed onto the bed carefully, making sure not to disturb her IV or any of the wires attached to her. He pulled her gently into his arms, cradling her against his chest, her head resting just beneath his chin.

"Just rest," he murmured into her hair. "I've got you."

Raven didn't say anything, but her body relaxed in his arms, the sound of his heartbeat soothing her as she nestled closer. Her hand remained tightly in his, her fear slowly dissipating now that she knew he wouldn't leave her.

Gar kissed the top of her head softly, whispering, "I love you, Rae. And I'm gonna be right here until you're better. You don't have to be afraid."

Raven's breathing slowly steadied, though every so often, a small cough escaped her lips. But she didn't let go of him, and Gar didn't mind. He would stay here as long as it took—days, weeks, whatever she needed. As long as she was okay, that was all that mattered.

2 Days had passed.The next morning, Raven stirred in her hospital bed, the soft morning light streaming through the curtains. Her breathing was a little better, but she still felt the lingering heaviness in her chest. She blinked her eyes open, feeling Gar's warm hand still holding hers. He had stayed true to his word, never leaving her side throughout the night.

A soft knock on the door startled them both, and a nurse stepped in with a gentle smile. "Good morning, Mrs. Logan. The doctor said you're ready to be discharged today."

Raven sighed in relief, her eyes meeting Gar's. She was still weak, but the idea of going home lifted a weight off her. "Finally," she muttered, her voice still raspy from the pneumonia.

Gar smiled, squeezing her hand. "Told you you'd be outta here soon," he said gently, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Ready to get home?"

Raven nodded weakly, though exhaustion was still etched into her features. She just wanted to be somewhere familiar—somewhere she could be with Gar without the sterile walls of the hospital looming over her.

After signing the necessary paperwork and receiving a list of post-hospital care instructions, Gar helped Raven out of the hospital bed. She swayed slightly, still a bit unsteady on her feet, but he was there to catch her, wrapping his arm around her waist.

"Take it slow, Rae," he murmured, guiding her toward the door. "We've got all the time in the world."

The ride home was quiet. Raven rested her head against the window, her body tired from the ordeal. Gar kept glancing at her, worry still etched in his eyes even though they were on their way home. She caught him looking once, offering him a small, tired smile. "I'm okay, Gar."

He smiled back, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I know, I just—"

"You worry," she finished for him, her voice soft but affectionate. She reached over and squeezed his hand on the steering wheel. "I'm lucky to have you."

When they finally pulled up to their apartment, Gar quickly hopped out, rushing to Raven's side to help her out of the car. She didn't resist, leaning into him for support as they walked up the steps. Once inside, the familiar warmth of their home washed over her, making her feel more at ease.

Gar helped her settle onto the couch, wrapping her in a soft blanket and making sure she was comfortable. "Do you need anything? Water? Tea? Soup?" he asked, hovering over her like a worried guardian.

Raven shook her head, giving him a tired but grateful smile. "Just stay with me."

Gar sat down next to her, gently pulling her into his side. "You don't have to ask me twice." He wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. Raven closed her eyes, resting her head on his shoulder, the warmth of his body helping to soothe her.

For a while, they just sat there in comfortable silence, the gentle hum of the city outside filling the air. After a few minutes, Gar looked down at her, his voice quiet. "How're you feeling? Really."

Raven opened her eyes, her fingers gently tracing circles on his chest. "Tired," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But better now that I'm home. Now that I'm with you."

Gar kissed the top of her head, running his fingers through her hair. "You scared me back there, Rae. I hate seeing you like that."

"I know," she whispered. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry," he replied softly. "You can't help it if you're sick. I'm just glad you're alright now."

Raven snuggled closer to him, letting out a soft sigh. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You won't have to find out," Gar said, kissing her forehead gently. "I'm not going anywhere."

They sat there for hours, Gar making sure she was comfortable and Raven simply enjoying the peace of being home. As the day went on, she slowly drifted off to sleep, her body still recovering. Gar stayed by her side, never once letting go of her hand.