The Dark Hour

--------Ridge--------

I was hiding in a tree outside. Well not really outside, more like the inside garden place but it was close enough. I was just trying to breathe and calm down. I didn't want to lose Lalna, it was bad enough the first time I almost lost him but this was worse. I couldn't do anything to help him. I shakily breathed in then forced the air back out. I couldn't stop the river of tears falling from my eyes but I was trying.

As soon as Ryan said that he could die it felt like all the air was knocked out of my lungs, and I couldn't breathe. I don't know what I would do if Lalna was gone. I-I didn't know if I would shut down or shut everyone out. I shakily took a deep breath then slowly forced it back out. Calm down, just calm down.

"Ridge!" I jumped and about fell but I quickly caught myself. I tried to slow my breathing down when they called out again. "Ridge! Where are you!? I got the cure from Astrid!" I wiped my face off with my sleeve before I quietly climbed down to the ground. I sat down and tried to slow down my breathing again.

"Finally I found you. I made up the cure and already gave it to Lalna I figured that when he wakes up he would want to see you first." I nodded and sniffled. I wiped my face again.

"I-Is he really ok now?" I asked softly. Ryan nodded.

"Yes he should pull through, he should wake up in a couple of hours, his fever broke as soon as I gave it to him."

"O-Ok." I slowly got up and sighed.

"S-So he's ok?"

"Yes."

"That's good," I said rubbing my eyes.

"He's going to pull through Ridge."

"C-Can I see him?" I asked softly.

"I told you to go to him when I found you. I did say that he would want to see you first." I nodded and slowly walked back to the room. I didn't even notice the puddles I was leaving behind me. I went into the room and to the bedroom.

Lalna was sleeping quietly. His face was a bit pink but he seemed ok. I felt his forehead and it wasn't as hot as it was earlier. I sat down on the bed next to him and gently rubbed his shoulder.

"Hey," I said softly. "I know you're sleeping but I really want you to be ok, so you better not just stay like this and wake up soon. Ok?" I heard the door open then shut and I sighed. I laid down and pulled Lalna close to me. I was never letting him go again.