A Thousand Ways To Say I Love You

CHAPTER V

---The Hospital Room

The fluorescent lights flickered above as Matteo paced outside the hospital room, anxiety gnawing at his insides. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the air, a stark reminder of the dangers that came with his life. Inside, Albert lay unconscious, connected to a maze of machines that beeped steadily, each sound echoing Matteo’s mounting worry.

Matteo had known Albert since he was 13, a loyal friend who had always stood by him, even when their paths diverged. He couldn’t shake the guilt that flooded over him.

Now, Matteo stood outside, wrestling with the reality of his life. He was used to power and control, not vulnerability. He had built an empire, but at what cost? He glanced through the small glass window, seeing Albert’s still figure and the faint rise and fall of his chest.

Just then, a nurse passed by, and he caught her attention. “How is he?” he asked, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

“He’s stable for now,” she replied, her tone professional but kind. “We’re doing everything we can. You can go in, but just for a few minutes.”

Matteo took a deep breath and pushed the door open. The sight of his friend lying there, vulnerable and hurt, struck him like a blow. He approached the bed, taking Albert’s hand, feeling the warmth beneath his own. “You’re going to pull through this, buddy,” Matteo whispered, his voice low but firm. “I can’t lose you, not like this.”

Moments passed in silence as Matteo grappled with his emotions. He had promised to protect Albert. Yet here they were, with Matteo’s choices threatening the life of his closest friend.

“Remember that time we snuck out to the old warehouse?” Matteo continued, reminiscing as he fought back tears. “You dared me to jump off the roof into the pool. I thought I was going to die, but I did it. You always pushed me to be braver.”

As he spoke, a small flicker of movement caught his eye. Albert’s eyelids fluttered, and slowly, he opened his eyes, confusion etched across his face. “Matteo?” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Yeah, it’s me,” Matteo replied, relief flooding through him. “You’re going to be okay. Just hang in there.”

“Did you… did you get them?” Albert asked weakly, concern in his voice even in his vulnerable state.

Matteo clenched his jaw, knowing that the answer. “We’ll talk about that later,” he said, trying to mask the gravity of their situation. “Right now, just focus on getting better.”

As they locked eyes, a silent understanding passed between them—one that acknowledged the weight of their past and the uncertain road ahead. Matteo’s protective instincts flared; he wouldn’t let anything happen to Albert. Not now, not ever.

--- The Hospital Halls

After leaving Albert's room, Matteo felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. His friend was safe for now, but the uncertainty of their lives loomed large. As he made his way through the hospital's bustling corridors, his thoughts drifted to a brief glimpse he had caught of Isabella earlier, tending to a patient. The sight of her, focused and compassionate, stirred something deep within him—an urge he hadn’t felt in years.

He needed to see her again.

Matteo found himself retracing his steps toward the Nurse's station. As he turned a corner, he spotted Isabella down the hall, her back to him as she spoke to an elderly woman in a wheelchair. The way she knelt beside the woman, her voice soft and reassuring, drew him in. She was a beacon of warmth in the cold, sterile environment of the hospital.

“Just a glance,” he whispered to himself, stepping quietly to the side to watch her unobtrusively.

He had only caught a glimpse of her when she was talking to the nurse earlier at the hospital launge, but he couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity. She was someone he cared about once, even if she didn’t remember him.

Suddenly, Isabella looked up, her gaze sweeping across the hallway. Matteo instinctively ducked behind a nearby column, heart racing. What was he doing? He couldn’t risk being seen, not when he was so deeply entrenched in a life that could endanger her.

Yet, he stayed there, hidden but yearning, captivated by her presence. Just then, the elderly woman chuckled, and Isabella’s laughter rang out in response, bright and genuine. It struck him like a blow—how he had missed that sound, that spark of life.

Matteo's breath caught in his throat. He knew he should leave, that he was risking too much, but a small part of him longed to bridge the distance between them, even for a fleeting moment.

Before he could decide, a group of nurses rushed past him, and Isabella turned her attention to them. He seized the moment, stepping out from his hiding place, hoping to catch her eye just once.

“Excuse me, are you okay?” Isabella’s voice broke through his thoughts as she approached him, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

Matteo froze, caught off guard by her directness. “I’m fine,” he managed, forcing a smile. “I'm here for my friend.”

She studied him for a moment, her brow slightly furrowed. “You looked a little lost. Hospitals rooms can be confusing at times.”

“Yeah, they can be,” Matteo replied, feeling the warmth of her concern. “I’m just… trying to get my bearings.”

Isabella nodded, her smile returning. “If you need help or have questions, feel free to ask. I’m here a lot.” She gestured toward the nearby Nurse's station, where a flurry of activity was taking place.

“Thank you, I appreciate it,” he said, the sincerity of her offer stirring something deep within him.

As they stood there, Matteo felt a connection—one-sided, perhaps, but still significant. There was so much he wanted to share, so many memories locked away in his heart, but he couldn’t let her into his world. Not now, not ever.

“I should get back,” he finally said, taking a step back. “Just wanted to see if my friend was okay.”

“Take care of yourself,” Isabella said softly, her eyes holding his for just a moment longer before she turned back to the elderly woman, who was waiting patiently.

As Matteo walked away, he felt an ache in his chest. He had to keep her safe, even if it meant stepping back into the shadows, leaving behind the one person who ignited feelings he thought he’d buried.