Lyra

61.

Lyra sat silently in the hospital room staring off into space. The room was grey as only clouds filled the skies. Minji was taken out the room to get her treatment done, both Lyra's parents had went to get some food, leaving Lyra with her thoughts.

She couldn't believe the news. Minji was now in Stage three cancer with the likelihood of going into stage four within the next couple of weeks. The doctors were doing their absolute best but it wasn't good enough or fast enough.

On thanksgiving Minji was late because she was fighting with her doctor to let her go to the gathering. She also had to find a wing and find non-harmful makeup. Minji went through so much just to come make it to the thanksgiving and Lyra had no idea until now. All those times Minji tried to tell Lyra but couldn't on the phone.

A knock on the door brings Lyra back to her senses as she looks up and sees Eric coming in. She tries to give him as smile but he saw right through it and he  immediately sits next to her and pulls her to him and hugs her tightly as she cries into his chest.

"It hurts, I know. She tried to tell the both of us." He says quietly and just rests his head on top of hers as he rubs her back soothingly.

After a while, Lyra was just laying against Eric with his arm around her as they both looked at pictures and videos of them with Minji.

"She's not dead guys." A voice says and they look up to see Lyra's mom.

"We know." Lyra sighs and sits up when her mom hands her a bag of food and Eric as well.

"Then stop acting like she is. You both know she's a strong woman. She'll get through this."

~~

"I'm sorry you guys found out like this. I just couldn't bring myself to tell you. You both are like my little siblings. I guess I waited too long to tell you." Minji says and both Eric and Lyra nod quietly, looking down.

"Please look at me?" Minji asks and Eric looks up but Lyra doesn't.

"Lyra please." Minji says a bit quieter, her voice breaking.

Lyra's leg bounces as her eyes tear up. She couldn't do it. She couldn't look up. Lyra's lip quivers and she slowly looks up at Minji, a tear sliding down her face.

"I'm sorry." Lyra whispers before getting up and walking out the room.

Minji watches her and the feeling of heartbreak spreads in her chest as she watches Eric quickly go after her. Lyra's parents console a Minji knowing Lyra just needs fresh air and time to cope with the big news.

Eric catches up to Lyra and grabs her wrist. He stops her from walking and turns her around and pulls her into a hug. Lyra hugs him tightly and tries not to cry loudly as she grips his shirt.

"I don't want to lose her Eric." She was jumpers and he sighs.

"You're not. Nobody is going to lose her alright?  Please stop crying. Let's go get some fresh air."

Eric and Lyra come back fifteen minutes later. Lyra's parents leave the younger ones alone and take the time to console each other. Trying to be the strong hold is hard when you're trying to be strong yourself.

Once visiting hours were closed Lyra went home with her parents. They welcomed a Eric over anytime he needed the emotional support. Lyra went straight to her room and closed the door. From there she cried. She pulls out her phone and calls Taehyung but he doesn't answer. She then calls Jimin and after a few rings he answers.

"Hi baby!"

"Jimin..is Taehyung around?" Lyra asks and wipes her tears.

"No he's busy re-recording. What's wrong why are you crying?"

"I'm fine...I promise. Can you sing to me please?" Lyra asks trying to calm down. "At least until I fall asleep?"

"Sure thing."