Le's Soldier

Part 40

The ride home was quiet.

Too quiet.

Lilly sat in the back seat, her leg stretched awkwardly across the space, the bulky brace taking up half the seat. Every bump in the road made her jaw tighten, but she didn't make a sound. Her hands were clenched in her lap, fingers digging into the fabric of her track pants.

Leah kept glancing at her in the rear-view mirror.

"You okay back there?" she asked softly.

"Yeah."

One word. Flat. Empty.

Katie was driving, her hands steady on the wheel. She didn't say much. None of them really did. The hospital bag sat between Leah and Lilly, stuffed with medications, discharge papers, and a stack of instructions.

It felt like the car was carrying more than just three people.

It was carrying everything that had changed.

When they pulled into the driveway, Lilly stared at the house like she didn't recognise it.

"Home," Leah said gently, turning in her seat.

Lilly didn't answer.

Katie got out first and opened the back door. "Alright, let's take this slow."

Lilly immediately tried to shift forward on her own.

"Whoa, hey—" Leah said, reaching back. "Wait for us."

"I can do it," Lilly muttered.

She grabbed the door frame and tried to swing her good leg out. The movement pulled at her abdomen and chest at the same time. Her face twisted in pain, but she kept going.

"Lilly, stop," Katie said firmly. "You're going to rip something."

"I said I've got it."

Her voice had an edge to it now.

She tried to push herself up, but her arms trembled. The pain hit harder this time. Her knee brace knocked awkwardly against the door frame, and she sucked in a sharp breath.

"Fuck," she hissed.

Leah moved closer. "Let us help you."

"I don't need—" Her voice broke. "I don't need help."

But she clearly did.

Her arms were shaking, her breathing uneven. She looked furious—not at them, but at herself.

Leah crouched beside her. "Hey. It's okay. Just lean on me."

For a moment, Lilly didn't move. Her jaw tightened. Her eyes burned with something sharp and frustrated.

Then, silently, she let her weight fall against Leah.

Katie helped guide her legs out of the car, and together they slowly stood her up.

Lilly's hands gripped Leah's shoulders tightly.

"Easy," Leah whispered. "You're doing good."

Lilly didn't answer. Her face was pale, eyes distant.

They took small, careful steps toward the front door. Each one seemed to cost her more than the last.

By the time they reached the couch, she was breathing hard.

"Sit," Katie said gently.

Lilly lowered herself down, wincing as her abdomen tightened.

The house felt unfamiliar. Too quiet. Too still.