WOULD YOU RESCUE ME?

70.Scars That Speak

The hospital room was steeped in a soft glow, the golden hues of early evening filtering through the blinds. Outside the small window in the door, Maya stood silently, watching the tender exchange between Vanessa and Astra. Her honey-brown eyes had opened for the first time in days, and her faint, deliberate kiss to Astra's lips was a moment of fragile beauty. Astra's tears glistened on her cheeks as she smiled, holding Vanessa's hand like a lifeline.

Maya's heart twisted painfully in her chest, an ache she hadn't fully realized until now. A bittersweet smile tugged at her lips. She was relieved beyond words that Vanessa was awake, but the sight of her love directed so completely at Astra cut deeper than she expected. She pressed her palm against the cool glass of the window, her fingers curling slightly as if she could reach through. Vanessa's love for Astra was undeniable, and though Maya had always known it, witnessing it now was like a quiet shattering.

Behind her, Luke held Amy close, his arm wrapped protectively around his younger sister. Both of them were crying softly, happy tears of relief spilling freely as they leaned on each other for support. "She's awake," Luke whispered, almost in disbelief. "She's really awake."

Amy nodded, her voice trembling. "I was so scared, Luke. I thought..." She trailed off, unable to finish the thought, and Luke hugged her tighter, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

Simon and Cassie stood nearby, their expressions a mix of joy and exhaustion. Simon broke the silence with a question. "Should we go in? Just to see how she's doing?"

Amy nodded enthusiastically. "We should. She'll want to see us."

Luke glanced at Maya, who was still staring through the window, lost in her own emotions. "Yeah," he said softly. "Let's go. She's been through hell. We can't let her think she's facing it alone."

Luke opened the door, leading the way inside, followed by Amy, Cassie, and Simon. The sound of their footsteps drew Vanessa's tired gaze from Astra. When she saw them entering together, a weak but genuine smile spread across her face. Her expression carried a warmth that lit up the room despite her exhaustion.

Simon grinned broadly, his relief palpable. "Look at you, Van," he said, his tone teasing but affectionate. "You've been crushing it, haven't you? Giving everyone the scare of their lives and then bouncing back like it's nothing."

Cassie and Amy chuckled softly, the lightheartedness a welcome reprieve from the tension of the past few days. Luke stepped closer to Vanessa's bed, his usually sharp tone softened by emotion. He patted her gently on the shoulder. "If you're this tough lying in a hospital bed, I think you need to join the hurling team once you're better. We could use someone with your level of endurance."

Vanessa's smile widened just a fraction, the effort visible in her weary expression. Astra stayed close, her hand never leaving Vanessa's, watching her girlfriend's interactions with quiet pride.

Maya lingered near the back of the room, her hands tucked into the pockets of her jacket. She didn't trust herself to say much, afraid her emotions might spill over in front of everyone. Vanessa's gaze found hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to narrow between them. Maya felt a sharp pang of longing as she returned Vanessa's tired yet grateful look. Before she could react, Astra's sharp green eyes flicked toward her, a subtle warning in their depths. Maya shifted her gaze to the floor, guilt mixing with her conflicted feelings.

The group lingered for a little while longer, the soft hum of conversation and faint laughter filling the room. After some time, Luke suggested they leave Vanessa to rest. "She's got to be exhausted," he said, glancing meaningfully at Astra. "You need to stay strong for her too, Astra. Don't forget to take care of yourself."