the fire between us

chapter 44

Content Warning: This narrative contains intense and potentially distressing themes, including a car accident, panic, and injuries. Readers who may be sensitive to topics related to trauma, emergency situations, or physical distress should approach with caution. I encourage you to prioritize your well-being and take breaks if needed. Remember, it's okay to step away and take care of yourself. ⚠️

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I blink slowly, my eyes adjusting to the bright hospital lights overhead. Everything feels hazy and distant, my body heavy with exhaustion. The last thing I remember is the car spinning, the world turning upside down, and then... nothing. I can barely move, the weight of everything sinking in.

"Y/N?" a soft voice pulls me from my daze. I turn my head, wincing at the stiffness in my neck. A woman stands by my bedside, her expression kind yet serious. She's wearing a white coat, her stethoscope draped around her neck. I assume she's my doctor.

"Glad you're awake," she says, her tone warm but professional. I try to smile, but the muscles in my face feel tight, like they're not quite ready to cooperate.

"Do you remember what happened?" she asks gently, her eyes searching mine for any sign of clarity.

I take a slow breath, my mind piecing together the fragments of the crash. "Car crash," I answer simply, my voice barely above a whisper. It feels strange to say it out loud, like I'm acknowledging the nightmare for the first time.

The doctor nods, a look of understanding crossing her face. "That's right. You've been through a lot. We're going to keep monitoring you to make sure you're okay, but you're stable now." She pauses, as if considering her next words carefully. "You were very lucky, Y/N."

"You only broke an arm," the doctor says gently, her tone reassuring as she glances at the cast wrapped around my left arm. I hadn't even noticed it until she mentioned it—everything still feels numb, like I'm detached from my own body.

I nod slowly, processing her words, but my heart is racing for a different reason. I need to know about the others. "The others?" I ask, my voice cracking with anxiety. Fear grips my chest as I brace for her answer.

"Marcus is awake," the doctor says softly, her gaze reassuring. "I can take you to him if you'd like."

I nod quickly, the thought of seeing Marcus bringing a small wave of relief amidst the anxiety. Despite the exhaustion weighing down my body, I need to see him, to know that he's okay with my own eyes.

"Alright, let me get a wheelchair for you," she says, stepping out of the room for a moment.

Moments later, the doctor returns with a wheelchair. She helps me out of the bed carefully, my arm aching slightly as I move. Once I'm settled in the chair, she starts to wheel me down the hallway, the sterile scent of the hospital strong in the air.

After what feels like an eternity, we stop in front of a door. "He's right in here," the doctor says, offering me a small smile as she opens the door gently.

Inside, Marcus is lying in bed, a few bandages visible on his arms and forehead, but he's awake. His eyes meet mine, and a wave of emotions washes over me—relief, worry, and overwhelming gratitude that he's okay.

"Hey," he says softly, his voice a little hoarse but full of warmth. He manages a small, tired smile, and despite everything, I can't help but smile back, tears gathering in my eyes.

"Hey," I whisper, my voice shaky but filled with relief.

"Marcus and you only broke an arm each," the doctor says, her tone steady as she stands by the doorway. Relief flickers in my chest, but it's quickly overshadowed by the question that's been gnawing at me since I woke up.