Falling For You

Chapter 8: Shadows of Regret

WARNING: Please keep in mind that I am not a medical student or professional, and the scenes involving doctors, medical procedures, and hospital settings in this story are based on general knowledge, research, and creative interpretation. There may be inaccuracies or creative liberties taken for dramatic effect. If you're looking for precise information on medical practices, it's always best to consult verified sources or professionals in the field. Thank you for understanding



As the ambulance sped through the city, the blaring sirens were the only sounds breaking the heavy silence. Ling sat close to Orm, her hand wrapped tightly around Orm's cold fingers, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched the paramedics work tirelessly to save her. She felt numb, her entire world reduced to the small space in the ambulance, to the fading life beside her.

"Orm..." she choked out, her voice raw with desperation. She brushed a blood-matted strand of hair from Orm's pale face, willing her to wake up, to show any sign of life. But Orm remained still, her face serene and lifeless, the color draining from her cheeks as each second passed.

The image of Orm collapsing in her arms flashed in Ling's mind—a brutal, haunting replay. She remembered Orm's smile at the altar, the unspoken words between them, the quiet strength in her gaze. Why didn't I tell you sooner? Ling thought, her chest tightening painfully. Why did I wait until it was almost too late?

The memory of their dance at Emerald X surfaced, vivid and warm against the cold reality surrounding them. She remembered the way Orm's hand had felt in hers, how they had laughed and moved together as if they were the only two people in the world. That night had been the first time Ling's heart had truly raced for anyone, the first time she'd felt safe in someone's arms. She'd pushed those feelings aside, buried them under years of denial, but now, as she held Orm's hand and fought back tears, the truth was unavoidable.

She loved Orm. She always had.

One of the paramedics called out, "She's slipping! We need to move faster!"

Ling's stomach dropped. The paramedics started chest compressions, and Ling could do nothing but watch, her own heart feeling like it was shattering with each second that passed. She pressed Orm's hand to her lips, her tears falling onto Orm's skin.

"Orm, please. I can't lose you," she whispered, her voice breaking as she clutched Orm's hand tighter. "You can't leave me now"

Her words hung in the air, heavy and trembling with a hope she could barely hold onto. She had waited too long to say it, had let pride and fear keep her from the one person who had always seen her for who she was, who had loved her with a quiet, unwavering loyalty she had taken for granted. She cursed herself for every moment she'd let slip by, every time she'd pushed Orm away instead of holding her close.

As the ambulance doors swung open, the ER was ready for them. Dr. Wan, a seasoned trauma surgeon with a calm yet commanding presence, was already waiting with her team. The paramedics wheeled Orm's stretcher out quickly, and Ling, her face streaked with tears, stumbled after them, heart pounding with each second.

"Female, mid-twenties, gunshot wound to the abdomen, BP's 80 over 60 and dropping, pulse is thready," one paramedic reported as they transferred Orm from the ambulance gurney to the ER bed. "She's lost a lot of blood on the scene; we started two IVs—one in each arm—but she's not responding."

Dr. Wan nodded, her expression firm as she took in the extent of Orm's injuries. "Let's move her into Trauma Room One," she instructed. "I need her on oxygen, full monitoring, and get a trauma panel started now."

As they pushed Orm down the corridor, Ling followed, barely noticing the quick pace and the chaos surrounding them. She could only see Orm, lying motionless, pale and fragile against the stark hospital sheets.