PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 65: Come Home My Love

Carina's heart aches at Maya's confession. It's not just the physical distance she misses; it's all of Maya, her voice, her presence, her touch.

She responds softly, her voice slightly raspy with tiredness, "Then don't hang up. Talk to me until I fall asleep."
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Maya's heart swells at Carina's response. "Okay," she replies, her voice soft and gentle. "I'll stay on the line until you fall asleep."

She makes herself comfortable on her bed, propping the phone up on the pillow so that her face and Carina's are on the same screen.

Carina does the same, positioning her phone so that they're looking at each other even though they're miles apart.

She snuggles deeper into her pillow, her eyelids drooping a bit. "What do you want to talk about?"

Maya thinks for a moment, then responds, "Anything. Just listen to my voice and try to relax."

She starts off with small talk, sharing tidbits about her day, the things she's been up to. But as time passes, her voice softens, and her topic of conversation turns more intimate.

Carina lets out a small, weary sigh. "Today was... hectic," she shares, her voice low with fatigue. "The hospital was busier than usual, and we had a few complications with patients. It was a long, exhausting day."

Maya listens intently, her heart going out to Carina. "That sounds tough. It's not easy when things get hectic at the hospital."

She pauses for a moment, then adds, "But you always do your best, don't you? You're a great doctor, Carina. You make a difference in so many lives."

Carina's heart warms at Maya's words, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thanks, Maya. It means a lot coming from you."

She lets out another yawn, her eyelids fluttering shut for a few seconds before opening again. "But I have to confess, I'm not always as calm and composed as I seem. Some days... some days are harder than others."

Maya chuckles softly, the irony of the situation not lost on her. "Babe, you're talking to the Queen of Suppressing Emotions. Trust me, I know all about hard days."

She pauses, her tone becoming more serious again. "But seriously, if you ever have a hard day, I want you to promise me you'll tell me. Even if it's in the middle of the night, or if you think you're bothering me. I want to know, okay?"

Carina nods, her eyes fluttering slowly. "Okay," she agrees, her voice beginning to slur slightly with fatigue. "I promise. I'll tell you. Even if I'm exhausted or feeling overwhelmed. I'll tell you."

Maya watches as Carina's eyes struggle to stay open. She smiles fondly, her heart full of affection. "You're tired, babe," she murmurs gently. "You need to sleep."

Carina nods, her eyelids heavy. "I am tired," she admits, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I don't want to hang up. I don't want to say goodnight yet."

Maya's heart aches at Carina's confession, but she knows Carina needs to rest. "I don't want to hang up either," she responds softly. "But you need to sleep. You've had a long, tough day."

She pauses, then adds, "Close your eyes, Carina. I'll stay on the line until you're asleep, okay?"

Carina nods again, her eyelids finally drooping closed. "Okay," she murmurs, "I'll close my eyes."

Maya watches silently as Carina's breathing slows, her features relaxing as she drifts off to sleep.

Maya keeps her promise, staying on the line even after Carina's breathing evens out and indicates that she's asleep. She watches Carina for a moment longer, her face now peaceful and still in the dim light.