𝓢𝓮𝓮 𝓜𝓮

Chapter 54

-ˋˏ☀︎𝕁𝕒𝕞𝕖𝕤 𝕂𝕖𝕟𝕥.ೃ࿔☀︎

⚠︎ This chapter contains detailed descriptions of surgery

Amelia hesitated at the door, the sterile white of the operation room a stark contrast to the warm colors she was used to seeing. The room's bright lights reflected off the smooth, tiled floors, the sharp smell of antiseptic filling the air. She stood there, looking out of place in the loose, hospital-green gown that hung awkwardly around her frame. It covered her entirely, hiding even the slightest trace of the familiar—her hair completely tucked under a tight surgical cap, only the delicate lines of her face visible.

But even though she was dressed for surgery, there was no hiding the fear etched across her features. Her eyes darted nervously around the room, as if searching for something solid to cling to, someone to tell her this wasn't happening, that she'd wake up back in her bed and this would all be a bad dream.

Next to me, Naz shifted, drawing Amelia's gaze. Her face was hidden behind the sterile scrubs, her mouth covered by the mask, but I could see the warmth in her eyes as she stepped closer to Amelia. Like me and the other girls, Naz wore the same outfit—a sea-green surgical gown that wrapped around her body, long sleeves tucked into the white gloves that stretched up her wrists. Her mask was snug against her nose and mouth, but even through the layers of fabric and protection, she managed to radiate a sense of calm.

"Amelia," Naz said softly, voice slightly muffled behind the mask. She reached out, gloved hand hovering in front of her before she placed it gently on Amelia's arm. "We're going to take really good care of you, okay? You've got this. It's going to be over before you know it, and you'll be good as new."

Amelia swallowed hard, gaze flicking between Naz and me, her lips pressed into a tight, thin line. "I—I know," she whispered, the sound barely audible over the hum of the machines and the faint beep of the heart monitor. "I'm just—" She broke off, shaking her head as if trying to dispel the fog of fear clinging to her.

I stepped forward, my own mask hiding what I hoped was a reassuring smile. "Hey," I said, keeping my voice steady and low. "It's all going to be fine, Amelia. We've been over everything, step-by-step. We're right here, and we'll be right here when you wake up. You're strong, and you're going to get through this."

Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, I saw something flicker there—trust, or at least a tentative belief in the words I was saying. She took a deep breath and nodded, her shoulders relaxing just a fraction.

"Oka—wait," she cut herself off, pinning her eyes on mine, "you didn't... tell anything to Evelyn, right? I don't want her to worry about me for nothing."

I nodded, even when my heart twisted with guilt about us going ahead with this surgery without her knowing. But she already has enough on her plate, and her knowing Amelia's dad willingly had Amelia here—planted a freaking chip in her like she was some kind of tool to use—then punish Evelyn for it was too much.