PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 33: Vist Part 2

Megan nodded, the tears that has formed in her eyes threatening to fall. "Can I...can I go closer?"

Andy began pushing her wheelchair forward, slowly rolling her towards Maya's bedside.
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Carina stood up, moving out of the way. "Of course."

Megan's hand trembled as she reached out cautiously to touch Maya's hand, as if fearing she might break her. Her gaze roamed over Maya's face, drinking in every detail.

The sight of her sister lying there so still and vulnerable brought back a flood of emotions. Fear, worry, guilt, anger, love, all mixing together and making her breath hitch.

Looking at Maya now, it was hard to believe that just two days ago, they had been sharing jokes and laughter. Life could change so suddenly.

Carina stood quietly, watching the emotions play across Megan's face. She didn't say anything, merely observing and offering silent support.

Andy stood protectively behind the wheelchair, her own worry evident in her expression.

Megan's hand tightened around Maya's, holding onto it like a lifeline. She wanted her sister to open her eyes, to wake up and give one of her signature cheeky grins, to prove that everything was going to be okay.

Megan's eyes widened, and she looked at Maya's face in disbelief. "Maya?"

Hope flickered in her chest as she carefully watched for any further sign of movement.

Another slight movement, followed by a soft groan. Maya's eyelids fluttered, as if she were fighting to open them.

Megan leaned forward, her heart in her throat. "C'mon, Maya. You can do it. Open your eyes."

She squeezed her sister's hand, the contact giving her a sliver of hope.

Maya's eyes flickered open, her vision blurry. She let out another soft groan, her body heavy and her mind foggy.

Megan let out a breath of relief, seeing her sister's eyes slowly open. "Maya, hey...you're okay. I'm here."

Words were hard to form in Maya's groggy state, but she managed a mumbled, "Megan?"

Megan nodded, a teary smile on her face. "Yeah, it's me. I'm here."

She tightened her grip on Maya's hand, still needing that physical reassurance.

Maya's hazy gaze focused on Megan's face, recognition slowly making its way through the anesthesia fog.

"You got hurt," she mumbled, her words slurring.

Megan chuckled weakly, waving off Maya's concern. "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. You're the one who just had surgery, remember?"

The pain in her leg was a constant throb, but she refused to let Maya see how much it was affecting her.

Maya's brow furrowed slightly, her instinct to protect her sister still strong even under the influence of drugs. "But...you're hurt."

With a considerable effort, she tried to lift her hand and gently touch Megan's leg.

Megan winced slightly as Maya's hand made contact with her bandage, but she tried to hide it. "I told you, I'm fine. I promise. A little injury isn't going to stop me from coming to see you."

Maya's frown deepened, her protective older sister instincts kicking in. "You're lying. I can tell you're in pain."

She tried to push herself further upright, ignoring the dizziness that threatened to pull her back underwater.