Rave & Roses {A Rema Fanfic}

41 - Divine

A month after the whole ordeal, I arrived at the hospital as I had every day since Zara's accident. The routine had become suffocating—walking into the same sterile corridors, the same air of uncertainty clinging to everyone like a dark cloud. I had grown used to the heavy silence, the weight of guilt that followed me like a shadow.

But today was different. As I stepped into the ward, there was an unmistakable shift in the air. The usual gloom that hung over the place had been replaced by a strange buzz of energy. Nurses exchanged smiles, and the tension I had come to expect seemed to have melted away.

Before I could process it, Sandra rushed toward me, her face glowing with excitement. "She's awake," she blurted out, grabbing my arm. "Zara's awake!"

The words hit me like a jolt of electricity. For a moment, I stood there frozen, unable to move, unable to think. Then it sank in—my Zara was awake. The months of fear and uncertainty, the sleepless nights, the endless guilt—it all came crashing down in an instant.

"Are you serious? She's awake?" I asked, my voice trembling.

Sandra nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. "Go see her," she urged.

My heart pounded as I made my way to her room. The door felt heavier than ever as I pushed it open, and there she was—Zara, sitting up in bed, her eyes open, alive. She looked fragile but beautiful, her skin pale but glowing with life. I had dreamed of this moment, prayed for it, and now it was real.

"Zara," I whispered, stepping closer. My voice cracked under the weight of emotion. "It's me."

Her eyes shifted to me, calm but distant, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw recognition. But then she frowned slightly, tilting her head as if trying to place me.

"I'm sorry," she said softly, her voice hoarse but steady. "Who are you?"

The words pierced through me like a blade. My breath caught in my throat, and the world seemed to tilt beneath me. I stood there, stunned, my heart shattering into pieces. She didn't know me. My Zara—my best friend, my rock—had no idea who I was.

I swallowed hard, fighting back tears, forcing a smile that felt like it would crack under the pressure. "It's... it's me," I said again, as if saying it louder would make her remember. "It's..." But the words caught in my throat.

Her eyes flickered with confusion, and I saw her glance toward Sandra, as if looking for reassurance. "I'm sorry," she repeated, her voice tinged with regret. "I don't remember you."

The room spun, and the walls seemed to close in around me. This wasn't how I imagined this moment. Zara was awake, but she was lost to me.

Her mom, dad, and Aunt Nini entered the room shortly after, their faces lighting up with relief and joy when they saw me standing there. "Oh, you're here!" her mom exclaimed, rushing to embrace me. Her dad gave me a warm nod, while Aunt Nini smiled through her tears.

For a brief moment, the heaviness in my chest lifted. Their happiness was infectious, and for the first time in weeks, I felt a sliver of hope. We had waited for this day together, and it felt like a victory we could finally celebrate.

But then Zara's soft, detached voice cut through the warmth like a knife. "Who is he?"

The room went silent. Her mom froze mid-step, her face falling as she turned to look at Zara. Her dad's smile faded, and Aunt Nini's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with shock.

"Zara..." her mom began, her voice trembling as she moved closer to the bed. "It's—he's..." She looked at me helplessly, searching for the right words.