Chapter 58: Awakening

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Suddenly, her eyes popped open. She blinked, her breathing rapid as she lifted her head, looking around the room. Everything was still. The rhythmic beeping of the monitor filled the silence.

Fatima was still there, her head resting on the side of the bed. In the haze of fatigue, she had imagined it all — the squeeze, Zac waking up, the distant look in his eyes. She saw him forget her, lost in a world where she no longer existed in his memories.

It had been a dream. Relief flooded her chest, and her heart slowly settled back into a steady rhythm. Zac hadn't lost his memory, hadn't forgotten her. The fear, the utter heartbreak she felt in that dream, clung to her like a heavy fog. Her abandonment issues had found their way into her dreams, transforming her deepest fears into stark, vivid nightmares.

She sighed deeply, her gaze shifting to Zac, who was still fast asleep. His chest rose and fell steadily, his expression calm and peaceful. Fatima reached out, her fingers brushing over the back of his hand. She squeezed it gently, as if to reassure herself that he was still here, that he still knew her.

Her voice barely above a whisper, she murmured, "You scared me."

She leaned back, trying to shake the unease from her dream, but the residue lingered. It was her greatest fear — losing him, being left alone again. It was as though her mind was preparing her for what her heart couldn't handle. She had lost so much before, and the fear of losing Zac felt like a storm cloud that loomed over her, threatening to engulf everything she had built with him.

But as she watched him, she knew one thing: she couldn't let fear dictate her actions. She wouldn't let her past take away what she had now.

Fatima looked down at Zac's hand, still in hers. She rubbed her thumb softly across his knuckles, the warmth of his skin grounding her in the present. He was here. He was with her. And when he woke up, she would be here too.

Slowly, she rested her head back down on the bed, her fingers intertwined with his, her eyes on him.

A nurse entered the room, her presence soft and comforting as she greeted Fatima warmly. "Good morning," the nurse said, her voice gentle.

Fatima straightened, managing a small smile. "Morning."

"He'll be knocked out for a while longer," the nurse explained, moving to check the monitors.

Fatima nodded, her eyes drifting to Zac. She looked back at the nurse, her voice barely concealing her anxiety. "He's okay, right? No amnesia, nothing serious, right? He's going to be fine?"

The nurse smiled reassuringly. "Yes, ma'am. He's stable, and there's no indication of memory loss. It's just his body recovering. He's going to be fine."

Fatima exhaled, relief washing over her. "Okay. Thank you." She glanced back at Zac, her heart feeling lighter. He was really going to be okay.

Deciding she needed to step out for a moment, she stood, smoothing out her clothes. She needed a change of attire, something fresh, she needed to get Zac's blood off of her.

"I'll be back in a bit," she whispered to Zac, giving his hand one last gentle squeeze before stepping out.

Fatima made her way to the waiting area where Lana and Jose were seated. The sight of them waiting there, unwavering in their support, made her heart swell a little. She approached, and Lana was immediately on her feet.

"How is he?" Lana asked, her eyes filled with concern.

Fatima shrugged slightly. "Still the same," she said, though there was an underlying softness to her voice now, a glimmer of hope. She took the bag Lana handed her, nodding gratefully. "I'll be right back."

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