The best man

Chapter 10

As the hours tick by, the fluorescent lights of the hospital feel increasingly oppressive, the hum of machines a constant reminder of Conor's fragile state. I glance at the clock on the wall, feeling a pang of reluctance wash over me. It's getting late, and I need to head back to my apartment.

"Lily," Conor says, his voice soft, his familiar, pleading eyes locking onto mine. "Could you come back tomorrow? If you don't mind, I'd really like to see you again." His vulnerability tugs at my heart, and I hesitate, weighing the implications of my answer.

"I'll come back," I promise, forcing a smile despite the heaviness in my chest. "Just focus on resting, okay? You need to take care of yourself."

He nods, a wave of gratitude crossing his features. "Thank you," he whispers as I lean in for a light hug. "It means a lot to me."

I linger for a moment before pulling away, knowing I have to go. "I'll see you tomorrow," I say gently, trying to muster some cheerfulness as I turn to leave.

The drive back to my apartment is quiet, the city lights blurring past in a haze of colors. My mind swirls with emotions as I fish my phone from my pocket the moment I step through my front door, dialing Ethan's number.

"Hey," I say when he answers, my heart racing. "I'm back home."

"Hey, you. How was it?" His voice is warm, comforting, cutting through the silence of my apartment.

I take a deep breath, pouring out everything—the conversation with Conor, his request for me to come back tomorrow, and the flood of emotions I can't quite untangle. Ethan listens quietly, his silence encouraging me to keep talking.

"He asked if I could come again tomorrow," I finally say, my voice trembling a little. "But I swear, Ethan, nothing will happen. You have to trust me."

There's a pause on the other end, and I can almost hear him processing my words. "I trust you, but... it's just hard for me to wrap my head around this situation," he admits, his tone laced with concern.

"I get that," I reply, my heart aching at the thought of him worrying. "But I need to be there for him right now. He's going through a lot, and I want to support him. But it doesn't change how I feel about you."

"Okay," Ethan says, his voice softening. "I just want you to be careful. I don't want to lose you or for you to get hurt."

"You won't," I assure him, warmth flooding me at his concern. "You mean too much to me."

He sighs after a beat. "Alright, I'm going to trust you. Just keep me updated, okay?"

"I will," I promise, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "Good night, Ethan."

"Good night, Lily. Sleep well," he says, and I hear the faint rustling of sheets as he settles in.

I hang up, the weight of the day pressing down on me. With Ethan's voice still echoing in my mind, I take a moment to breathe, feeling a mix of emotions—love, anxiety, and determination—churn within me. Tomorrow is a new day, and I'm ready to face whatever comes next.