Holding On To Hope

Chapter 27: Silent Conversations

Grayson sat at the edge of Lina's hospital bed, his expression unreadable as he looked down at her. Lina was awake, her eyes tired but focused on him. She gave him a small, fragile smile, trying to ease the tension she knew he felt.

"How are you feeling, little one?" Grayson asked, his voice soft yet filled with concern.

Lina's smile faded slightly. "Sore. But I'm okay," she replied, her voice raspy but steady.

Grayson's brow furrowed. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "You don't have to pretend you're okay, Lina. Not with me."

Lina looked away, her gaze shifting to the window. "I'm just tired, Grayson."

He sighed, his eyes clouded with guilt. "I should've been there," he admitted, his voice breaking slightly. "I had a feeling something wasn't right, but I still left. I shouldn't have left you alone."

"You couldn't have known," Lina said softly, her hand reaching out to gently touch his. "It's not your fault."

Grayson shook his head, the weight of the moment pressing heavily on him. "I let you down, Lina. Both Leon and I did. We promised we'd always be there, and when you needed us most, we weren't."

Lina's grip on his hand tightened. "You didn't let me down," she said firmly. "You and Leon have done more for me than anyone ever has. You can't be there every second. I don't expect you to be."

Grayson swallowed hard, his throat tight with emotion. "You're my sister, Lina. I'll always protect you, even when you don't think you need it."

Lina's eyes softened. "I know you will. And I love you for that, but I'm okay now. I'll be okay."

Grayson stayed quiet for a moment, absorbing her words. He leaned over, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Just promise me one thing," he whispered.

"What's that?" Lina asked.

"Don't ever push us away again. Don't try to carry everything on your own," Grayson said, his voice thick with emotion. "You don't have to."

Lina nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. "I promise."

After Grayson stepped out, Mia walked in, her face still pale from worry. She hadn't said much when they first arrived, and now, as she stood beside Lina's bed, she seemed to be searching for the right words.

"Hey," Lina said, her voice breaking the silence.

Mia blinked, snapping out of her daze. "Hey," she replied softly, sitting down next to Lina. Her eyes roamed over the various machines and wires attached to Lina, a lump forming in her throat. "I still can't believe this happened."

Lina gave her a small smile, trying to lighten the mood. "I'll be fine, Mia. It's not as bad as it looks."

Mia frowned. "Lina, you were in an accident. You could've... it could've been worse."

Lina looked down, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of the blanket. "I know. But I'm here, right? That's what matters."

Mia's eyes filled with tears as she reached for Lina's hand, squeezing it tightly. "You scared me, you know that? I thought—" She stopped, her voice catching in her throat. "I can't lose you, Lina."

"You're not going to," Lina reassured her, squeezing Mia's hand back. "I'm tougher than I look, remember?"

Mia let out a shaky laugh, wiping her tears. "Yeah, you are. But you don't always have to be. You've got me, Grayson, and Leon. We'll carry some of that weight with you."

Lina smiled, though her eyes shone with unshed tears. "I know. I've been so lucky to have all of you."

Mia shook her head, her gaze fierce. "No, Lina. We're the lucky ones. You've always been the glue that holds us together."

They sat in silence for a few moments, their hands still clasped together. Finally, Mia leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Lina's cheek. "I'm just glad you're still here with us."

Lina smiled, feeling the warmth of Mia's words settle over her like a blanket. "Me too."

The quiet moments between Lina, Grayson, and Mia in the ICU were filled with words left unspoken. Though her body was bruised and sore, their presence reminded Lina that she wasn't alone in her battle. And as they each left her room, Lina felt a sense of peace settle over her, knowing that no matter what, her family—both by blood and by choice—would always be by her side.