PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 30 : Fear Part 2

Andy shrugged, wishing she had all the answers. "The pneumonia weakened her. Made her more vulnerable. Something in the surgery triggered it, I guess. They won't know much until they open her up."
———————————————————————————————————-

Megan felt as though the world had been pulled out from under her. Her big sister, the woman she looked up to and relied on, was in serious trouble. She tried to control her emotions, but her voice trembled as she spoke. "How long until they'll know something?"

Andy sighed, hating the uncertainty they were all facing. "They aren't sure. Surgery will take a while, and then we'll finally know what's going on."

Megan nodded silently, her mind racing with thoughts and worries. The image of her strong, invincible sister lying in a hospital bed suddenly seemed like something out of a nightmare. The fear and helplessness weighed heavy on her heart.

Andy placed a comforting hand on Megan's arm, sensing her thoughts. "She's going to be okay, Megan. She's a fighter, and the doctors are doing everything they can. We just need to hold on and wait for news."

Megan said "Can you cuddle me please."

Andy smiled gently, seeing Megan's vulnerability beneath the strength and stubbornness. "Of course."

She moved closer to Megan, maneuvering herself carefully due to the broken leg. She then gently wrapped her arms around Megan, holding her close.

Megan leaned into Andy, burying her head in her shoulder. The comfort of Andy's embrace eased the overwhelming fear and worry, even if it was just a little bit.

Andy stroked Megan's hair softly, trying to soothe her. "It's going to be okay. I'm here."

She continued holding Megan, offering a silent presence of unwavering support.

Travis knocked on the door and said "Lunch is ready you guys want some."

Andy nodded from her position on the bed, her arm still wrapped around Megan. "Yeah, thanks, Trav. We'll be out in a minute."

Megan, who was still cuddled up against Andy's chest, mumbled, "I'm not hungry."

Travis chuckled slightly, looking directly at Megan. "Well, tough luck, probie. You need to eat to keep your strength up."

Megan grumbled but didn't protest. She reluctantly pulled away from Andy's embrace, knowing that Travis was right, even if she didn't want to admit it.

Andy gave her a small nudge. "Come on, grumpy. Let's go get some food."

She helped Megan up, mindful of her broken leg, and they made their way out of the bunk room.

As they entered the common area where the food was set up, the aroma of whatever Travis had prepared filled their nostrils. The sight of the rest of the crew gathered there with platters of food didn't quite lift Megan's spirits. The worry for Maya overshadowed any hunger she might feel.

The rest of the crew looked up as Megan and Andy entered the common area. Smiles and nods of acknowledgment were exchanged, but the heavy atmosphere in the room made it clear everyone's thoughts were with Maya.

Travis waved at them, a weak attempt at lightheartedness in his voice. "Hey, you two finally decided to grace us with your presence."

Vic chimed in, trying to uplift the mood. "Yeah, we were about to send out a search party for you guys."

Dean, who had been quietly watching the exchange, piped up with a smirk. "Look who we have here, it's little Bishop."

Megan rolled her eyes playfully. "Ha ha, very funny, Dean."