Unfated Lovers

Chapter 21: A Sacrifice Revealed

The hospital's fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as Joey rushed through the emergency room doors, her heart pounding in her chest. She had received the call just moments ago, and every second had felt like an eternity as she made her way to the hospital. Each step was weighed down by an overwhelming sense of dread, the fear of losing her sister consuming her thoughts.

As she approached the nurses' station, the sterile smell of antiseptic filled her nostrils, mingling with the underlying scent of fear that permeated the air. She spotted a doctor in scrubs, his expression somber, and her heart sank.

"Where is she?" Joey's voice trembled, desperation lacing her words.

"Room 304. I'm afraid we need to talk," the doctor replied, leading Joey down the stark, white corridor. The walls seemed to close in around her, the fluorescent lights casting an unforgiving glare that made her skin crawl.

When they entered the room, Joey felt as if the world had shattered around her. Hana lay motionless on the hospital bed, her pale skin a stark contrast to the bright white sheets. Tubes and monitors surrounded her, their relentless beeping a haunting reminder of the fragility of life.

"No... no, no, no," Joey whispered, tears brimming in her eyes. She rushed to her sister's side, taking Hana's cold hand in her own. "Please, Hana, wake up. Please."

The doctor stepped back, allowing the sisters their moment. He exchanged glances with the nurse, who was busy checking Hana's vital signs, and Joey barely registered their presence. All she could focus on was Hana—the sister who had always been her rock, her confidante, and her guiding light.

"Hana, please," Joey pleaded, squeezing her sister's hand. "You need to wake up. I can't do this without you."

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Minutes passed, each one stretching into eternity, until finally, a flicker of movement caught Joey's attention. Hana's eyelids fluttered, and her eyes slowly opened. For a moment, it felt as though the world had come back into focus, but the clarity was short-lived. Hana's gaze was distant, filled with confusion and pain.

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"Joey?" Hana's voice was barely a whisper, strained and broken.

"I'm here. I'm right here," Joey said, her heart swelling with hope even as fear gnawed at her insides. "You're going to be okay. I promise."

Hana shook her head slightly, a pained expression crossing her face. "No... Joey, listen to me. I—"

A wave of anxiety washed over Joey as she saw the truth in Hana's eyes. "Don't say that! You're going to get through this. The doctors are going to help you," she urged, her voice rising in pitch.

Hana's breath came in shallow gasps, and she gestured weakly for Joey to come closer. The sound of the machines faded into the background as Joey leaned in, her heart racing. "What is it? You're scaring me."