The Unbreakable Thread Of LOVE

Chapter - 28

Just as the lighthearted moment between Karayami and Simera settled into a comfortable silence, the door swung open, and Simera's mother, Sizume, entered the room. The warmth of her presence filled the space, but the sharpness of her gaze immediately startled both girls.

"Simera!" Sizume exclaimed, her voice a mixture of relief and concern as she rushed to her daughter's side. "Thank goodness you're awake! You scared me half to death!"

Simera blinked up at her mother, momentarily frozen. "Mom, I—"

Sizume cut her off with a tight hug, enveloping Simera in a protective embrace. "Don't you ever scare me like that again! Do you have any idea what I went through when I heard about the accident?" Her voice softened, trembling with emotion.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't mean to—" Simera began, but her mother pulled back, looking her over as if searching for any signs of injury.

Karayami watched the reunion with a smile, her heart swelling at the sight of their bond. However, the moment was cut short when Sizume turned her attention toward Karayami, her expression shifting to one of gratitude.

"Thank you for being here for her," Sizume said, her eyes softening. "I know she means a lot to you, and it comforts me to know you're by her side."

"Of course, Mrs. Sizume," Karayami replied, feeling a rush of warmth at the compliment. "Simera is like family to me. I'd do anything for her."

Sizume nodded, her eyes welling with unshed tears. "I'm so grateful. I don't know what I'd do without you two."

Simera shifted uncomfortably, trying to ease the tension. "Mom, I'm fine! Really. Just a little stab wound; it's not that big of a deal."

Sizume shot her a look that made Simera wince. "Not a big deal? You're in a hospital bed, for heaven's sake! You're lucky to be okay. You need to take better care of yourself!"

Karayami stifled a laugh at the familiar exchange, sensing the warmth of their relationship despite the serious circumstances. She quietly slipped out of the conversation, letting the mother-daughter duo have their moment, grateful to see Simera in good hands.

"Just... try to be more careful next time," Sizume added, her voice softening again. "You're my precious girl, and I can't lose you."

Simera nodded, her heart swelling with affection for her mother. "I promise, Mom. No more drama—well, not that kind, anyway."

Sizume couldn't help but chuckle, shaking her head. "Just make sure to leave the drama for your friends, okay?"

As Sizume exited the room, she spotted Damian leaning against the wall, his expression a mix of worry and regret. He immediately straightened, ready to offer his apologies.

"Ms. Sizume, I'm really sorry for everything that happened. It was my fault for lowering my guard, and I—"

Sizume held up a hand, her eyes sharp and unwavering. "Stop right there, young man." Her voice was firm, but there was an underlying current of concern. "My daughter wouldn't have put herself in danger if it wasn't someone important to her."

Damian swallowed hard, taken aback by the intensity of her gaze. "I—"

"You need to understand that she cares about you, even if she doesn't say it," Sizume continued, her tone softening slightly. "Simera is not the kind of person to act recklessly without reason. So whatever happened, know that she was trying to protect you."

His heart raced at her words, a mix of guilt and warmth flooding through him. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen," he said, struggling to find the right words. "I never wanted her to get hurt."

Sizume regarded him for a long moment, her expression softening further. "I can see that. But it's important for you to realize how much your safety means to her. She sees you as someone worth protecting, even if it puts her in harm's way."

"I know," he replied quietly, feeling the weight of her words settle over him. "I just wish I could have stopped it. I should have done something."

Sizume took a step closer, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You're young, and you'll learn from this experience. Just promise me you'll look out for her and yourself in the future. Don't let your guard down so easily."

"I promise," he said, a newfound determination building within him. "I'll make sure to be there for her."

As Karayami exited the hospital room, she spotted Sizume and Damian in a quiet conversation. The sight of them stirred a mix of emotions within her—concern for Simera, irritation at the situation, and a flicker of curiosity about what they were discussing.

Sizume glanced up and smiled softly at Karayami, her demeanor calm despite the recent events. "Thank you for being here for Simera," she said warmly, then turned her gaze to Damian. "And thank you for looking out for her."

Damian nodded, still feeling the weight of Sizume's earlier words hanging in the air. He was lost in his thoughts when Karayami approached, her usual stoic expression softened by a hint of empathy.

Karayami reached up and patted Damian's head lightly, a gesture that surprised him. "It's time to let go and speak your heart," she said, her voice gentle yet firm, as if she understood the turmoil brewing within him.

Before he could respond, she turned to Sizume. "I'll take care of things here. You both should head home and get some rest. Simera will need you when she wakes up."

Sizume nodded appreciatively, giving Karayami a grateful smile. "Thank you, Karayami. I trust you to keep an eye on her."

As they turned to leave, Damian found himself wanting to say something, but the words caught in his throat. He watched as Sizume and Karayami walked away, their voices fading down the hallway.

"Speak your heart..." he repeated quietly to himself, the phrase echoing in his mind.

He took a deep breath, the gravity of the situation pressing down on him. The weight of his feelings for Simera felt heavier than ever, but now he had a mission: to confront his emotions head-on, to be the person she believed he could be.

With renewed determination, he made his way back to Simera's room, ready to face whatever came next. He couldn't ignore his feelings any longer—he had to be brave, not just for himself, but for her as well.