Thirty Days Of September

chapter 36 : together

As Aaron held Atasha tightly, he felt the warmth of her body against his, but he also sensed the underlying fragility that had become so apparent during their time apart. He knew she needed help—medical help. The thought of her suffering alone by herself filled him with determination.

"Please, Atasha," he said, pulling back slightly to look into her eyes, which were filled with a mix of fear and uncertainty. "Don't do this alone. I want to take you to the hospital. I know you're scared, but miracles do happen. We can fight for your recovery together."

Atasha hesitated, her gaze dropping to the ground. "I don't want to be a burden to you, Aaron. Leaving would make it easier for you."

He cupped her face gently, lifting her chin so their eyes met again. "You're not a burden. You're everything to me now. I came all this way because I can't imagine my life without you. Let me help you. We'll figure this out—together."

The intensity of his words pierced through her defenses. Atasha's heart ached with gratitude, but the fear of what lay ahead loomed larger. "What if they can't help me?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"Then we'll find another way," Aaron replied, determination radiating from him. "I won't give up on you. You mean too much to me. I believe in you, and I believe in us."

Atasha studied his face, searching for any sign of doubt, but all she found was unwavering commitment. With a deep breath, she nodded, her heart swelling with hope. "Okay. Let's go."

Aaron wasted no time. He bring few personal  things of Atasha. He quickly helped her into his car and started the engine, the hum of the vehicle a comforting sound as they drove toward the nearest hospital. The journey felt like an eternity, but Aaron kept the conversation flowing, distracting her with lighthearted stories from their thirty days together.

"I remember when we went hiking at Lake Holon," he said with a soft smile. "You insisted on carrying that giant backpack, and all I had was a water bottle. You were a warrior that day."

Atasha chuckled, the sound a small reprieve from the tension in the air. "You made it sound like I was overpacking for a month-long expedition."

"I was just jealous I didn't think of bringing snacks," he teased. "But you know, even if we had gotten lost, I would've preferred to be lost with you."

As they drove through the winding roads, the scenery blurred into a comforting backdrop, but Aaron's mind was firmly anchored in memories of their time together. Each moment replayed like a cherished film, highlighting the bond that had grown between them in just thirty days.

"Remember our movie marathon?" Aaron continued, a smile creeping onto his face. "You insisted we watch all those cheesy romantic comedies, even when I tried to sneak in an action flick."

Atasha laughed softly, the sound like a balm to his anxious heart. "What can I say? Sometimes a girl just needs a little love and laughter. Besides, you know you secretly enjoyed it."

"Okay, fine," he admitted, chuckling. "I'll give you that. You were right. I did enjoy watching you react to every twist and turn in those movies, especially when you would shout at the screen about the characters' poor choices."

Her laughter faded slightly as she glanced out the window, the trees racing past them. "I just wanted them to be happy, you know? It's nice to believe in happy endings."

Aaron felt a pang in his chest as he noticed the shadow that crossed her face. "You deserve a happy ending too, Atasha," he said softly. "And I want to be part of it."

The silence stretched between them as they drove on, but it was a comfortable silence, filled with unspoken understanding. Aaron stole glances at Atasha, her pale complexion contrasting with the vibrant scenery outside. He felt an ache in his heart, knowing how fragile she had become, yet he clung to the hope that they could turn things around.