The Hollows Of Hiraeth (✔️) | 'Hollows' Book I

Chapter Sixty-Six

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T h e H o l l o w s   O f
H I R A E    T    H
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I took a deep breath before pulling open the entrance door to the hospital door. I quickly walked through the corridors, ignoring the attention I was getting or the depressing sense of nostalgia I was feeling about Angela.

It was easier said than done to ignore the painful memories of yesterday's events—of Angela's last moments—as, upon rounding the corner, I came across a small remembrance service. There was a photo of Angela, one that I didn't stop to take in the details of, crowded by bouquets of flowers and few mourners.

I clenched my fists before continuing onwards, nearly bumping into a nurse as I turned back to my path ahead. Carter had sent me directions to his room, since the doctors had advised him to stay overnight because of the current situation at the academy. I had literally memorised the directions in the early hours of the morning whilst restless and obviously not going to get some sleep.

I reached a door and pushed it open, slowing down as I reached the fifth door down. I peered into the room, just in case it wasn't Carter's, and smiled fondly when I found him sitting up in bed reading a very worn out book with an intrigued and amused expression. I honestly didn't want to walk in, and instead just take a picture and admire him in this calm state.

Finally, my fingers wrapped around the door knob and I turned it, before pushing open the door. The squeak of the door handle gave me away at first, and then the creak of the door opening and closing definitely finished off the job.

Carter looked up at my entrance, beaming at me and setting the book aside. I smiled back, pulling my school bag off my shoulder, then shedding my jacket and setting them both down on the table opposite Carter's bed.

I nodded to the book that had been placed on the small bedside table, "You were pretty engrossed in that book." I stifled a laugh and Carter joined in with a chuckle.

"It's pretty good—the nurse gave it to me when I asked for my phone." Carter rolled his eyes as I walked over to his bed.

I gasped, "Call the police!" I exclaimed dramatically and Carter laughed whilst shaking his head, throwing a pillow at me. I easily caught it, finding that the skill in the catch reminded me of Jameson's tactful dodging and catching.

I sat on the edge of his bed tentatively and Carter beckoned me over to him with his arms outstretched to me. I smiled and leaned into his chest, snuggling into him when he embraced me.

Carter randomly held up a finger, "One month." He told me with a playful smirk but I decided to ignore it. Why is everyone bringing up my birthday? Sorry to sound ungrateful, but it's not exactly like I can run on home and collect family embraces and then come back to the academy. And Alexi. Of course—Alexi. My stomach clenched but I shook it off.

"Are you okay?" I asked, trying to distract myself but still deeply concerned with his health. Carter ran his fingers through my hair as he hummed.

"I'm absolutely fine, just a scratch." Carter's lie was hilarious since I had witnessed his 'scratch' bleeding for a nation.

I rolled my eyes and pushed myself away from him slightly to look him in the eyes, "Carter," I warned and he gave me a sloppy smile back.

"Okay so 'scratch' was an understatement, but I'm still fine." Carter responded, knowing I was having none of his lies.