PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 24: Panic

The pain slowly began to subside, leaving Maya exhausted and shaky. She leaned back against the pillows, her breaths coming in shallow gasps.

A wave of helplessness washed over her, making her feel vulnerable and weak. She hated feeling this way; she was supposed to be strong and in control, not this fragile broken thing.
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Carina watched as the pain slowly faded, leaving Maya looking small and vulnerable. She knew it must be killing her to not be her normally strong, independent self.

She moved closer to her, her need to comfort and protect taking over. "You're doing great, Bambina. I know it hurts. Just focus on your breath, okay?"

Carina watched as exhaustion overtook Maya, her eyes closing and her body slumping against the pillows. Carina gently adjusted the pillows so Maya was lying more comfortably.

She sighed, running a hand through her hair. Watching Maya struggle was hard. She felt so helpless. But for now, all she could do was watch over her as she slept.

Carina was just stepping out of Maya's room, silently shutting the door behind her, when the tears she had been holding back started to fall.

She didn't notice the others until Travis spoke up, his voice gentle yet concerned. "Carina? What's wrong? Is Maya okay?"

Carina's shoulders shook as she tried to hold back her sobs, the pain and worry for Maya overwhelming her.

She managed to speak through the tears, her voice thick with emotion. "She's in so much pain, and there's nothing I can do. I feel helpless."

Travis and the others gathered around her, their expressions filled with concern. They'd never seen Carina look so distraught.

Andy spoke up, her voice filled with sympathy. "Carina, it's okay. Maya's tough. She's going to be alright."

Jack was standing to the side, his irritation at Carina and Maya still apparent.

As Carina broke down crying, he muttered under his breath, "God, women. Always so emotional."

Andy overheard his comment and turned on him, her eyes blazing. "Jack! Knock it off. Carina is allowed to be upset. Maya is her girlfriend!"

Jack rolled his eyes, unperturbed by Andy's glare. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But she's overreacting. It's just a sore throat, right? Maya will be fine."

This time, Travis couldn't keep quiet. "Just a sore throat? Are you serious? Have you seen Maya? She can't even speak, let alone eat or drink. She's in pain and she's scared."

Jack waved a dismissive hand. "So? She'll get over it. She'll stop whining about it soon enough. She's just being dramatic."

Andy stepped forward, her anger rising. "Whining? Dramatic? That's your take on it? She's in pain and can't even ask for water when she's thirsty. That's not whining. That's hell. And you'd sure as hell be whining if it was you in that bed."

Jack huffed, crossing his arms. "Whatever. I'm just saying, all this crying and worrying is over the top. It's not like she's on her deathbed or anything."

Dean had been silently listening to Jack's comments, his anger building. But when Jack dismissed Carina and Maya's situation, something snapped inside him.

He turned on his best friend, his voice low and tense. "Jack, man, that is so out of line. You can't just dismiss what they're going through. Don't be a jackass."

Jack rolled his eyes, not backing down from his stance. "I'm just being realistic. Maya is a grown ass adult, she can handle a little sore throat."

Dean was incredulous at Jack's lack of empathy. "A little sore throat is when you're a bit hoarse, Jack. That's not Maya's situation. She literally can't speak without being in agony. That's not something you just brush off!"