The Moon Shines when the Sun Isn't Around

Chapter 5 Part 39

For the next few days, King focused entirely on Raina, dedicating himself to her recovery. He hadn't been to school in weeks, a decision he knew would have consequences, but he couldn't bear the thought of leaving her side. The hospital had become his second home, a place filled with both anxiety and hope. Every day was a delicate balance between the fear of losing her and the joy of seeing her regain strength.

As the days turned into weeks, he found a routine that revolved around her care. He would wake up early, make sure Raina had everything she needed, and then dive into his schoolwork, using his laptop to stay connected with his classes. But even as he tried to focus on assignments, his thoughts often drifted back to her.

"How's my favorite patient doing today?" he asked, walking into her room one morning, a fresh bouquet of flowers in hand. Raina smiled, her cheeks still a bit pale, but the spark in her eyes was undeniable.

"I'm feeling a little stronger," she replied, reaching out to take the flowers. "Thank you, King. They're beautiful."

He pulled up a chair beside her bed, careful not to disturb the various medical equipment surrounding her. "Just doing my part. You're the one fighting through this. I'm just your cheerleader."

Raina laughed softly, and for a moment, the tension in the room lifted. King cherished these moments of laughter, even if they were fleeting. But beneath the surface, the weight of his own depression pressed heavily on him. He wore a brave face for Raina, but in the quiet moments, when he was alone or working late into the night, the darkness crept back in.

Oreo had been a constant presence in his life, a much-needed light during this tumultuous time. She visited often, bringing snacks, books, and stories to keep Raina entertained. King appreciated her efforts more than he could express, but it was Raina who needed him most right now.

"You've been spending a lot of time with Oreo," Raina remarked one afternoon, her tone teasing. "I think she's got a crush on you."

King chuckled, shaking his head. "It's not like that. She's just a good friend. You know I'd do anything for you."

Raina raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "I don't know, King. You seem pretty invested in her well-being. Don't think I haven't noticed."

"Yeah, well," he replied, brushing it off, though her teasing struck a chord in him. It was true he had been leaning on Oreo for support. She had a way of making the darkness feel a little less suffocating. But Raina was his priority, and he wouldn't let anything come between them. Not now. Not ever.

In the following days, he continued to devote his time to Raina, helping her with physical therapy, reading her favorite books, and even sharing some of his schoolwork with her so she wouldn't feel too left out. But every time he looked at her, the weight of what they had been through pressed heavily on him. The memories of her in surgery, the fear of losing her, haunted him. He was still battling his own demons.

One evening, as King sat by Raina's bedside, he found himself lost in thought, staring out the window at the sunset. He felt a gentle touch on his arm and turned to see Raina watching him, concern etched across her features.

"Hey," she said softly. "Are you okay? You've been distant lately."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm fine. Just... thinking. You know how it is."

"No, I don't know," Raina replied, her voice firm. "You can talk to me, King. You don't have to pretend everything is fine."

He hesitated, the weight of his own struggles pressing down on him. But he didn't want to burden her. "It's just hard sometimes, you know? Seeing you go through this. I feel helpless."