FALLING INTO ILLUSIONS

Unseen Struggle

As Lisa and Brian left the hospital together, the late evening sky was tinged with the soft hues of twilight. Brian's hand, now securely wrapped in a temporary plaster.

They reached the parking lot, and Lisa guided Brian toward her car: "Let's get you home so you can rest," she said, her tone gentle but firm.

Brian hesitantly: "Hey, I can't go home like this. Let's go to any nearby hotel. I can handle the rest from there."

Lisa stopped and looked at him, her brow furrowing slightly: "A hotel? Brian, you're in no shape to be wandering around, and it's late. It's better if I'll drop your home."

Brian persisted, his voice firm despite his discomfort: "I really appreciate your concern, Lisa, but I'd prefer to stay in a hotel tonight. I need some space and privacy to deal with this hand."

Lisa sighed, her expression resolute: "And in no way I'm letting you stay at a hotel. We're going to my place so I can have peace of mind too. I'm not comfortable leaving you all by yourself."

Brian's irritation flared: "I'll call my assistant."

Lisa's response was firm: "He's off work for the night, and there's no further discussion. We're heading home."

Meanwhile, Alex returned to the company, clearly disappointed. He walked briskly to Brian's office and report to Mr. Luther: "I couldn't find Mr. Brian anywhere. I checked all the usual spots, hotels and even called his phone multiple times, but no luck. Do you want me to keep looking?"

Andrew's expression hardened as he processed Alex's report: "No, Alex. We've already tried to reach him through all available channels." Further added: "I'm heading home. If Brian shows up or contacts you, report me. In the meantime, make sure everything is in order for tomorrow."

Alex nodded reluctantly, knowing the situation: "Understood. I'll make sure everything is squared away."

They headed out, leaving the office in the quiet of the night, with unanswered questions still lingering in the air.

As Lisa and Brian drove toward her apartment, "So, I've been meaning to ask," Brian began, glancing at Lisa, "I sent you an invitation last night, and I never got a reply."

Lisa's fingers tightened on the steering: "Oh, I was dealing with the canvas."

Brian raised an eyebrow, "And about today, what were you doing at the hospital?"

Lisa hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing her words: "A friend of mine had a minor procedure, nothing serious."

Brian studied her face, noting the subtle shift in her expression but deciding not to press: "I see. It must have been a long day for you."

Lisa forced a smile, relieved that Brian had accepted her explanation: "Yeah, it has been a long day."

They arrived at Lisa's apartment, she helped Brian inside. The warmth and coziness of her place contrasted sharply.

Andrew and Alex walked to the parking lot in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Andrew was preoccupied with worries about his son.

Back at home, Andrew tried to relax, but his thoughts were with his son and the girl he is hanging out with. Hours passed with no news, and the uncertainty gnawed at him. When Mary asked him for dinner, he declined and went straight to his room.

Andrew went to bed, but sleep eluded him as he kept his phone close by, hoping for a call or message from Brian.

In the meantime, Lisa helped Brian settle on the bed, she returned with an ice pack and some pain medication: "Here, apply this to your hand. It helps with the pain."

Brian managed a pained smile as he took the ice pack: "Thanks, Lisa. You know, you're acting like a bit of a granny with all this caring and attention."

Lisa paused, raising an eyebrow: "What do you mean by that?"

Brian chuckled softly, wincing slightly from the pain: "Wait till you get a chance to meet my granny. If she were here, she'd definitely love the way you're taking care of me. She always had a soft spot for anyone who fussed over me."

Lisa's smile faltered momentarily, her thoughts drifting. The mention of Brian's grandmother triggered an unexpected wave of guilt and self-reproach. Her mind flashed back to reality of her brother David's situation. The weight got heavy on her heart.

She felt a surge of frustration and guilt, not only with herself but also with Brian, who caused her to be a part of this chaotic mess. Swallowing hard, Lisa shook her head, trying to clear the cloud of anguish that had settled over her:

"You've had a long day, you should rest now. I'll prepare something for dinner."

Brian, sensing that something is off with Lisa but not wanting to get on her nerves, nodded: "Alright. Thanks for everything, Lisa."

As Lisa turned off the lights and was about to leave the room, Brian reached out and pulled her onto the bed beside him. The suddenness of the gesture made Lisa's heart race, her breath catching in her throat.

Lisa's eyes widened in surprise. The unspoken intensity between them was deep. Brian's action was simple but profound, a silence offers comfort and solidarity.

Lisa didn't say anything immediately, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and unspoken emotions.

Brian, sensing that Lisa was dealing with something, chose not to press her. Instead, he offered her his presence—an unspoken assurance that he is there for her. He held her hand and said: "Relax. I can hear your heartbeat. I'm not planning to do anything, at least with this hand." He chuckled mischievously, "Just stay beside me."

They lay together in the dim light of the room, the silence between them filled with an understanding that words couldn't fully capture.

As Lisa began to relax, the tension in her body slowly eased. Brian's presence was a grounding force, a reminder that despite the complexities of their situation, they could still find solace in each other.

Eventually, Lisa's breathing evened out, and she settled more comfortably beside Brian. The room was quiet, save for the gentle hum of the night outside. In this shared space, amidst the quiet and the intimacy, both found a moment of peace, letting the world outside fade away.