PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 53: Day Two Post-OP

As Carina drifted off to sleep, her body relaxing against Maya's, Maya couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and affection. She knew Carina had been exhausted, both physically and emotionally.

She gently ran her fingers through Carina's hair, her touch soft and affectionate. Her eyes traced the lines of Carina's face, memorizing each contour and feature.

She whispered, her voice barely audible, "Rest, my love. I...I'm right here."
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As Carina stirred, Maya was instantly awake, her eyes watching her girlfriend worriedly. Seeing Carina crying, her heart clenched.

She gently reached out, her voice soft and full of concern. "Carina... Love, what's wrong?"

Carina's eyes were puffy with tears, the remnants of a nightmare lingering in her expression. She looked at Maya, her voice thick with emotion.

She spoke, her voice a shaky whisper, "I... I had a nightmare. You...You were hurt, and I... I couldn't save you."

Maya's heart ached as she heard the anguish in Carina's voice. She hated seeing her girlfriend upset and scared. She gently squeezed Carina's hand, her tone soothing.

She spoke, her voice filled with reassurance, "It was just a nightmare, my love. I...I'm right here, see? I'm okay. You saved me, Carina. You always save me."

Carina nodded, her tears starting to subside as she took comfort in Maya's words. She knew it was just a nightmare, but the fear it had triggered was intense.

She spoke, her voice shaky but a little steadier, "I... I know. It...It just felt so real. I... I was so scared."

Maya gently pulled Carina closer, wrapping her arm around her and holding her tight. Her voice was gentle and soothing.

She spoke, her tone filled with understanding and reassurance, "I know. But...but I am okay. I promise you, I...I'm here, right here with you. And...And I'm not going anywhere."

Carina curled into Maya's embrace, drawing comfort from her warmth and presence. She knew in her heart that Maya was telling the truth, but the fear from the nightmare still lingered.

She spoke, her voice still shaky, "I...I know. But...but what if something like that nightmare happens again? What...what if you're hurt and I...I can't save you?"

Maya grab Carina hand and put it on her heart and said "Do you feel that my heart is beating and it will always beat when I am with you."

Carina looked at Maya, her eyes filled with love and a hint of fear. When Maya placed her hand on her chest, Carina felt the steady, reassuring thump of her heart beat.

She nodded, her voice still trembling but a little calmer, "Y...yes. I... I feel it."

Maya gently squeezed Carina's hand that was on her heart, her voice soft and filled with love.

She spoke, her tone warm and reassured, "That's my heart, beating strong and steady. And...And it will continue to beat, Carina, as long as I'm here with you. You...You saved me, and you will always save me. You...You are the one my heart beats for."

Carina looked into Maya's eyes, tears still brimming in her own. She felt the steady rhythm of Maya's heart against her hand, a tangible reminder of her presence and love.

She spoke, her voice still shaky but a little stronger, "Your...Your heart. It...It's so strong. And...And it beats for me?"

Maya's heart ached at Carina's words, the weight of her emotions evident in her eyes and her tone.