In the Heart of Darkness

Chapter 52: Morocco

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The steady beeping of the heart monitor filled the quiet hospital room. Ibrahim lay on the bed, pale and weak, his usually sharp features softened by exhaustion. His head rested against the pillow, his gaze vacant, staring at the plain white ceiling. He blinked slowly, his mind a blur from the medication and his lingering thoughts of betrayal, loss, and fear.

Then, a faint creak of the door drew his attention. His heavy eyelids lifted, and his eyes widened as they landed on a familiar figure stepping inside.

"Sophia?" His voice, hoarse and weak, barely managed to escape his lips. He struggled to sit up, wincing at the pain in his chest. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in Barcelona."

Sophia froze for a moment, her hazel eyes glistening with unshed tears. She clutched her coat tightly, trying to keep her emotions in check as she approached the bed. "Baba..." she began, her voice trembling with raw emotion.

Ibrahim's frown deepened, concern flashing in his tired eyes. "You shouldn't have come here," he scolded gently, his tone laced with frustration and worry. "Your studies are important. You need to focus on your future, not this... not me."

Sophia shook her head, her soft curly golden brown hair bouncing slightly as she stepped closer. "No, Baba. I couldn't stay away," she said firmly, her voice cracking as she reached his bedside. "I want to be here for you. I need to be here for you."

Her words struck a chord in Ibrahim's chest, causing his breath to hitch. He looked away, his jaw tightening as he tried to suppress the storm of emotions rising within him.

Sophia placed a hand over his. "Baba, please look at me."

Reluctantly, Ibrahim turned his gaze back to her. She smiled softly, a bittersweet curve of her lips that tugged at his heart. "I can't see you like this," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I can't bear to be miles away, wondering how you're doing, wondering if you're okay. I had to come. I had to be with you."

Tears welled up in Ibrahim's eyes, but he quickly blinked them away. "Sophia," he began, his tone sterner this time. "This isn't your burden to carry. You're too young to—"

"I'm not a child anymore, Baba!" Sophia interrupted, her voice rising slightly. Her grip on his hand tightened as her tears finally spilled over. "You've always been my rock, my hero. But now, you need me, Baba. And I won't walk away from you. Not now. Not ever."

Ibrahim's resolve began to crumble. His shoulders sagged, and his lips trembled as he tried to find the right words. "You have your own life to live," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want you to sacrifice everything for me."

Sophia crouched beside him, looking directly into his eyes. "Trust me, Baba," she said softly, her tone filled with an unshakable determination. "Everything will be fine. We'll get through this together. You've carried so much for so long. Let me carry some of it now. Let me be here for you."

Ibrahim's chest heaved as a sob escaped him. He lifted his free hand to cup her face, his thumb gently brushing away her tears. "You remind me so much of your mother," he said, his voice breaking. "She was stubborn like you, always so sure of herself."

Sophia chuckled through her tears, leaning into his touch. "Then you know where I get it from."

For the first time in what felt like ages, a small, fleeting smile crossed Ibrahim's face. He pulled Sophia into a weak but heartfelt embrace, his arms trembling as they wrapped around her. "I'm sorry you have to see me like this," he whispered into her hair.