PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 22: My Bambina

The group nodded in understanding, masking themselves with the provided surgical masks. While Carina's condition had stabilized, they were taking no chances.

Carina sat patiently as Andrew performed a thermometer check. The room held a collective breath as he waited for the result.
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After a few moments, Andrew glanced at the thermometer readout. "Good news – her temperature has stabilized. You're all clear for visiting Maya now."

The group let out a collective sigh of relief, grateful for Carina's improving health. They all looked at Carina expectantly.

Ben smiled reassuringly. "You ready?"

Carina nodded, her eyes shining with determination and eagerness. "I'm ready. Let's go see Maya."

The group, with Carina in tow, followed Andrew to Maya's hospital room. He led them down the hallway, each step bringing Carina closer to her girlfriend.

The group followed Andrew down a set of stairs that led to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The atmosphere there was a bit more serious, with a constant hum of medical equipment and a strict protocol in place.

As they walked, the sound of beeping machines and hushed voices echoed in the hallway. Carina's heart rate quickened as they moved closer to Maya's room.

As they entered the ICU, a nurse approached the group, her expression stern.

"You'll all need to wear protective gear before entering," she said, gesturing to the PPE suits hanging nearby.

The group nodded, understanding the necessity of following protocol in such a critical care unit. They donned the protective gear diligently, ensuring that all exposed areas were covered to keep any potential contagions at bay.

Once they were all properly adorned in their protective gear, the nurse gave them a nod of approval. She then directed them towards Maya's room, giving Carina a sympathetic smile.

Carina returned the smile, her nerves heightened in anticipation. They walked the last few steps to Maya's room, each one feeling like an eternity.

Finally, they reached the doorway to Maya's room. Andrew stood by the entrance, giving them an encouraging nod before opening the door.

As the door opened, Carina's eyes immediately fell on Maya. Even though she had stabilized, seeing her girlfriend still lying in the hospital bed was a harsh reality check.

Maya's eyes fluttered open, her gaze unfocused initially. But as she saw Carina standing in the doorway, a weak smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Hey...you came," she rasped, her voice sounding dry.

Carina's heart ached at the sight of Maya's pale face and the vulnerability in her voice. She stepped closer, her own fatigue momentarily forgotten.

"Of course I did, Bambina. I told you I always would," Carina murmured, her voice soothing.

The way Carina called her 'Bambina' wasn't lost on anyone. The nickname was a term of endearment, a sign of the deep love and closeness between them.

Maya managed another smile, the warmth reaching her tired eyes. "I really missed you."

Carina took her hand, holding it gently as she moved closer to the bed. "I missed you too. You gave us all quite a scare, you know."

Maya chuckled weakly, the humor in her eyes evident despite her exhaustion. "Hey, I don't do anything half-hearted. Even getting sick apparently."

Carina laughed softly, her heart warming at Maya's attempt at humor, despite everything. "You're such an idiot, Bambina."