Exquisite Mission-Lingorm

Chapter 11

Silence filled the room, broken only by the steady rhythmic beeping of the monitor that tracked Lingling's vitals. A constant reminder of the delicate state she was in. The sight of her laying on the hospital bed, bandged and unconscious was more than Orm could bear, especially after all the events they had to endure lately.

Orm couldn't tear her gaze away from Lingling's peaceful sleeping form, her thumb tracing a slow path in a repetitive, soothing motion across her knuckles. She wished more than anything that the older woman would wake up, even if just to blink or twitch. She still held onto the hope that Lingling could hear her, that somewhere beneath the layers of pain and medication, she could feel her presence.

Hours passed as Orm sat vigil at Lingling's bedside. The weight of the situation was starting to wear down on Orm. Her eyelids felt heavy, and her body ached from sitting in the same position for so long. But every time her eyes started to close, she would force herself to stay awake, unwilling to give in to exhaustion, refusing to leave Lingling's side.

As the sound of footsteps echoed faintly in the hallway outside the room,Orm's eyes fluttered open, the drowsiness from before still present but starting to subside.

One of the nurses quietly walked in, checking on Lingling's condition and monitoring the machines. She moved with practiced ease, the years of her experience evident in her efficient and reassuring manner.

After a few moments, she turned to Orm, with a professional smile on her face. "How are you holding up?"

Orm lifted her gaze from Lingling and met the nurse's kindly smile. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before she spoke. "I'm... I'm hanging in there," she replied, her voice cracking slightly. "I just can't help but worry about her."

The nurse nodded, a sympathetic look on her face. "It's completely natural," she reassured Orm. "She is in good hands, and she's stable now. That's a very good sign. You should get some rest though," the nurse encouraged gently. "You've been sitting here all night, and you look exhausted."

Orm looked up at the nurse, her expression still filled with worry and determination. "Please," she pleaded quietly, her voice betraying her exhaustion. "I have to stay. I need to be here for her when she wakes up. I can't leave her alone, not now."

The nurse's heart softened at the raw emotion and determination in Orm's eyes. She understood Orm's concern and dedication, but she also knew the importance of rest and self-care, especially in such a stressful situation.

She placed a reassuring hand on Orm's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I understand how you feel," she said soothingly. "But remember, it's important for you to take care of yourself too. You won't be any good to her if you overexert yourself and burn out."

The nurse continued, trying to help the younger girl in some sort of way. "I can bring you a blanket and a cup of tea to help you relax a bit. But please don't push yourself too much. Your friend will need you in the days and weeks ahead, and your health matters too."

Orm's tired eyes filled with relief, grateful for the compromise. "Thank you," she managed to say, her voice hoarse with exhaustion. "That would be... very kind of you."

It didn't take a lot for the nurse to return with a folded blanket and a steaming cup of tea. She handed them to Orm with a warm smile. "There you go, try to get some rest, even if it's just a short nap. I'll be just outside if you need anything."

Orm wrapped the blanket around herself, the warmth and comfort immediately seeping in, and she cradled the cup of tea in her hands, letting the steam warm her face.

As the nurse prepared to leave, her gaze shifted to Orm's hand holding Lingling's in quite an intimate manner. Fueled by curiosity she decided to know more about this. "If you don't mind me asking," the nurse began softly, her voice holding a hint of curiosity. "Is she more than just a friend to you?"