The heart of an ice prince

Chapter 23

 **Chapter:  23 Awakening in the Hospital**

The air was thick with the smell of antiseptic, a sterile scent that clung to everything in the hospital. Bright fluorescent lights hummed above, illuminating the stark white walls and the occasional splash of color from the nurses' scrubs. Machines beeped rhythmically, their sounds mingling with the distant chatter of medical staff and the soft shuffle of feet in the hallway.

You sat in a plastic chair, the uncomfortable seat a constant reminder of the anxiety gnawing at your insides. Time felt warped—each second stretched into an eternity as you stared at the door to Felix's room. You had been waiting for hours, your mind racing with worry. The events of the past few days replayed in your head like a haunting melody.

When you had found him—so pale, so still—it had been the scariest moment of your life. The memory of his blood pooling around him was a vision that would forever be etched in your mind. You had thought you lost him, and the fear of that loss was a weight you struggled to carry.

You glanced at your phone, hoping for any news. The screen remained dark, mirroring the uncertainty in your heart. As you leaned back in the chair, your thoughts drifted to Felix. He had always been the bright spark in your life, a whirlwind of energy and laughter. But lately, shadows had crept into his world, shadows you felt helpless against.

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It was in this suffocating stillness that you finally heard the soft sound of the door opening. Your heart raced as you turned to see a doctor enter the room, a clipboard in hand and a serious expression on his face.

**Doctor:** "He's awake," the doctor announced, a hint of relief in his voice.

You shot up from your seat, a rush of adrenaline coursing through you. The doctor stepped aside, allowing you to enter the room fully.

Felix lay there, his face still pale but with a flicker of awareness in his eyes. It took a moment for him to focus on you, his gaze drifting in and out as if he were still waking from a deep sleep.

**You:** "Felix! Oh my god, you're awake!"

His lips parted slightly, but no words came out at first. The confusion in his eyes was palpable, and your heart sank a little as you noticed the way he struggled to piece together the moment.

**Felix:** "W-where am I?" he croaked, his voice hoarse and weak.

**You:** "You're in the hospital. You... you were hurt."

His brow furrowed as he tried to recall what had happened. You watched him closely, searching his face for any signs of panic or distress.

**Felix:** "I... don't remember," he said slowly, his voice barely above a whisper.

You felt a pang of sadness wash over you, knowing how much he had been struggling before everything happened.

**You:** "It's okay, just take your time. You're safe now."

Felix's eyes darted around the room, taking in the beeping machines and bright lights.

**Felix:** "How did I get here?"

You hesitated, your heart heavy with the truth you needed to share.

**You:** "I found you, Felix. You... you were unconscious. I called for help."

His eyes widened slightly, and you could see the realization dawning on him, mixed with confusion and guilt.

**Felix:** "I didn't mean for you to see that. I thought... I thought it was the only way."

A lump formed in your throat at his words. You wanted to tell him how wrong he was, how valuable he was to the world.

**You:** "You scared me, Felix. You mean so much to me. Please don't ever think that again."

His gaze dropped to the bed, guilt washing over his features.

**Felix:** "I didn't want to hurt you."

You reached out and took his hand, squeezing it tightly.

**You:** "You didn't hurt me. You're here, and that's what matters. We can work through this together. You don't have to face it alone anymore."

He looked at you, vulnerability and uncertainty swirling in his eyes.

**Felix:** "I just feel so lost... like I don't know how to get back."

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You took a deep breath, trying to steady your own emotions.

**You:** "That's okay. We'll figure it out, one step at a time. You have so many people who care about you, including me. We'll find a way."

Felix nodded slowly, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

**Felix:** "I don't want to be a burden. You have your own life, your own dreams."

You shook your head, your heart aching at his words.

**You:** "You're not a burden, Felix. You're my friend. Your life matters, and so do your dreams. I want to help you, and I need you to let me."

The silence that followed was heavy, filled with the weight of unspoken fears and hopes. You could see the internal battle he was facing, and it hurt to watch him struggle.

**Felix:** "I just... I don't know if I can trust anyone anymore."

Your heart broke at the admission, but you understood where it was coming from.

**You:** "Trust takes time. But I promise I'll be here for you. I won't give up on you, no matter how long it takes."

Felix let out a shaky breath, and for the first time, you saw a flicker of hope in his eyes.

**Felix:** "Thank you. It's just hard to believe anyone would want to help me after... everything."

**You:** "You deserve help, Felix. You deserve to be happy. And you're not alone in this fight. We'll take it one day at a time."

The tension in the room began to ease, the weight of despair lightening just a little.

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Chapter 23 ends here. 

Wait for Chapter 24.