Happier With You | ✓

Chapter 24

**TRIGGER WARNING!! THIS CHAPTER INCLUDES VERY SENSITIVE TOPICS**

"London." A soft voice, from somewhere distant. The scene started to blur, the shadows melting around me.

"London." A hand on my shoulder, shaking me awake.

I gasped, jerking upright, blinking in confusion as the waiting room slowly came back into focus. Sage's face came into view, her expression laced with concern as she steadied me, her hand still on my shoulder.

I stared at her, breathing hard, my heart racing. The vividness of the dream lingered, every detail etched painfully into my mind. I glanced around, still half-expecting to see Cody lying pale and motionless.

"You okay?" Sage asked softly, her voice gentle, grounding me.

I nodded numbly, unable to find my voice. My hands were still shaking, my chest tight with the weight of everything I'd just seen. I swallowed hard, blinking back the tears that still pricked at my eyes, trying to convince myself it wasn't real, that Cody was still here, that he hadn't slipped away.

But the fear lingered, a hollow ache settling deep in my bones as if some part of me knew it was only a matter of time.

"Cody's parents are asking for another update. And they wanted us to keep you company." Ryan stated.

I stared at the both of them.

"I'm sorry for earlier.." Sage confessed.

"Um.." I cleared my throat.

"Are you okay?" Ryan asked softly.

"No." I relied quietly.

Sage rushed to my side.

"What's wrong?" She asked, concerned.

"I had this really weird dream." I said.

"Not dream.. nightmare." I added.

Sage and Ryan exchanged glances.

Just then Cody's parents walked back into the room.

"A doctor should come in and talk with us soon." His mom said taking a seat next to Sage.

I nodded slowly.

A few moments later, three doctors entered the waiting room, their faces carefully composed, each step deliberate. My heart pounded as they came closer, their presence feeling heavy, filling the air with an unspoken gravity. Cody's mom straightened up in her seat, clutching her purse tightly, her knuckles white. His dad shifted beside her, jaw clenched, his gaze fixed on the doctors as if willing them to bring only good news.

"Mr. and Mrs. Taylor?" One of the doctors addressed Cody's parents, her voice calm yet firm.

"Just Mr. And Ms." Cody's mom answered immediately, her voice trembling as she stood up. Ryan and Sage exchanged another glance, mirroring the worry I could feel radiating off them.

The doctor glanced at me, her eyes softening. "You're here for Cody too?" She asked gently.

I nodded, feeling Sage's hand tighten around mine, grounding me in that moment.

"We wanted to give you an update on Cody's surgery," She continued, her tone cautious. I felt every heartbeat thunder in my chest, the weight of her words hanging in the air.

The seconds seemed to stretch out, each one filled with unbearable anticipation. She paused, glancing around the room as if choosing her next words carefully.

The doctor finally exhaled, her gaze shifting between Cody's parents, Sage, Ryan, and me.

"Cody's surgery took longer than anticipated." She began. "We encountered some... challenges."