desertion

84

MILESA

The living room was alive with the sound of laughter and cheers as Nathaniel, Julian, and Delilah played Mario Kart. Chris sat beside Nathaniel, his eyes glued to the screen, occasionally smiling at the chaos unfolded on the racetrack. I was playing too, though I wasn't really trying—I was too focused on Lydia.

She sat beside me on the couch, her arm wrapped tightly around mine, her head resting on my shoulder. Her eyes flicked from person to person, her lips slightly parted as she silently tracked their words. She wasn't playing anymore. She'd joined in for a few rounds earlier, but it had clearly taken too much out of her. After setting the controller aside, she leaned into me and hadn't moved since.

I didn't mind. If resting against me helped her feel even a little better, I'd sit here all night.

I glanced at Eddie and Buck, who were standing in the kitchen. They weren't exactly doing anything, all they were doing was watching Lydia. Closely. It wasn't subtle, and it hadn't been ever since we got here. Anytime Lydia so much as shifted or looked upset, they were immediately at her side, checking on her. It made me wonder if there was something they weren't telling us.

Chris, too, looked like he'd been crying. His red, puffy eyes gave him away, even as he tried to focus on the game. Whatever had happened before we got here, it wasn't small.

"Yes! First place!" Nathaniel shouted, throwing his hands in the air as the race ended.

Julian groaned, slumping back against the couch. "I swear you cheat, man."

"Skill, not cheats," Nathaniel teased, earning a laugh from Delilah.

Julian leaned forward, calling into the kitchen, "Eddie! Buck! Come here for a second."

The two rushed in immediately, like they'd been waiting for a reason to. Their eyes darted straight to Lydia but Julian held up a hand. "She's fine, don't worry. I just wanted to ask what the doctors said about her hearing."

Eddie sighed in relief, running a hand through his hair. "I called them just a bit ago. They said if her hearing doesn't come back within two days, I need to bring her back in."

I felt Lydia shift slightly against me, and my eyes caught the wrap around her knuckles. My stomach tightened. For some reason, I hadn't noticed it before, and now that I had, I couldn't stop staring. What happened?

"What happened to her hand?" I asked softly.

Chris tensed immediately, his shoulders stiffening as he glanced nervously at Eddie. Buck looked unsure, his gaze shifting to Eddie as well.

Eddie cleared his throat, his face tight. "She had an episode before you guys got here. She was frustrated... She punched her wall. A lot."

I felt Lydia's head lift slightly, and I looked down at her to find her staring up at me, confusion etched into her features. I guess they'd been talking too fast for her to follow.

"Is she okay?" Isabelle asked gently, her voice full of concern.

Eddie shrugged, his expression weary. "She won't talk to any of us about it. The only thing she said was that she's upset she still can't hear... and that she couldn't remember any of our voices."

Nathaniel frowned, crossing his arms. "If I started forgetting something like that..." he trailed off, shaking his head.

Eddie nodded. "She said it feels like she's forgetting everything she's ever known."

His voice was heavy, and I could tell this was weighing on him more than he was letting on.

Isabelle and Julian exchanged a look before Isabelle spoke up. "Maybe we should head out, let her get some rest."

Everyone agreed, their earlier laughter and energy dimmed by the weight of the conversation. Eddie nodded, giving me a look. "You staying here?"

"Yeah," I said without hesitation.

The others started saying their goodbyes, each of them hugging Lydia gently before leaving. "We'll come visit again soon," Isabelle promised with a small smile. Lydia gave a tired nod, her hand briefly squeezing mine.

Once everyone was gone, I stood and looked at Eddie and Buck. "I'm going to take her back to her room," I said.

Eddie nodded. "Let us know if you need anything."

I tapped Lydia gently and motioned toward the hallway. She understood immediately, standing slowly and leaning on me for support. Together, we made our way to her room, where I guided her to the bed. I saw the holes in her wall, making me look at her with concern.

She climbed into the bed first, and I followed, lying down beside her. Her head rested on my arm, and I wrapped it around her shoulders, holding her close.

It didn't take long for her to fall asleep. Her breathing grew soft and even, her body completely still against mine. I looked down at her, moving a few stray hairs from her face.

A soft knock at the door pulled my attention, and I glanced up to see Eddie peaking in.

"She asleep?" He asked quietly.

I nodded. "She fell asleep pretty quickly."

Eddie smiled faintly, his eyes lingering on his daughter. "Buck and I will be in the living room if you two need anything."

"Got it," I said.

He gave a small nod before closing the door softly behind him.

Lydia stirred softly in her sleep, but she didn't wake up. I tightened my arm around her, her warmth and calm breaths lulling me into a sense of peace.

Eventually, my own eyes grew heavy, and I let them close, falling asleep beside her.