“It’s so unfair,” Kali whispers, stepping back.
My phone buzzes, and I pull it out to see several texts lighting up the Sapphire Valley group chat. I quickly type that I’m with Keo and that he’s alive. Then I shoot the same message to my sister.
By the time I slip my phone away, Keo is looking at me. Dr.Alvarez stands between us, his gaze fixed on me as well.
“Visiting hours begin at?—”
“He’s staying,” Keo cuts him off, his voice rough. “Or I’ll leave.”
The doctor’s brows knit. “That wouldn’t be advised.”
“Then I’d advise you to make an exception. I just lost a friend and could’ve died myself”—my heart can’t take this—“I need Ayden here with me.”
There’s a subtle shift in Dr. Alvarez’s face—one I didn’t expect. Not judgment, not disapproval. It’s… acceptance. Understanding. His brows crease, but the corners of his lips curve into the faintest smile.
“Exception made, now please, Keoni, go back to bed.”
After a soft scolding from the doctor, I help him back into the room. Calista had returned with Ronan, so while a nurse hooked Keo back up to the machines, I ran to the lobby to let her know he was alright.
The evidence of her own crying warmed my heart. She barely knows us, but the empathy she has is everything that makes me grateful for the neighbors we have. Even Ronan expressed relief that Keo was okay, though his emotions are hard to read. I’ll admit, he scares me, even when he’s kind.
Cal hugs me before they leave and I head back to the room.
Keoni is sitting slightly upright, arms resting at his sides, eyes closed. It looks like they had helped him change; the bloody shirt is gone, replaced with a hospital gown.
I shut the door behind me and move to his side. I don’t bother with the chair—I simply stand next to the bed.
Dragging my hand lightly across his forehead, careful to avoid the cuts and tape, I watch his eyes slowly open.
I don’t want to smile because it doesn’t feel like a happy ending, not really, but to me, this was the only outcome I could accept. Overwhelmed and shaken, I smile anyway, even if I can feel my lips trembling.
He lets out a sigh heavy with unspoken words.
“Keo, I…” I choke on an intake of air.
“Ayden.”
I bite the inside of my cheek, staring at my shaking hand as itcups his jaw.
“Let’s not talk,” he murmurs, scooting slightly over. “Just… lay here with me.”
The space is likely just enough for me to fit on my side, if that. I’m lean, but not that small. However, that isn’t going to stop me from at least trying.
With careful movements, I manage to climb onto the bed, careful to avoid putting pressure anywhere on Keo, and settle on my side against him. His arm wraps around my head, cautiously, though I heard the faint hiss of discomfort as he rests it across my collarbone.
My forehead presses just above his heart.
I want to ask where it hurts, to know where I shouldn’t touch, but he asked me not to talk, and I won’t. Even if blabbering is usually how I find relief.
I edge one knee across his thigh and place my hand over his sternum. His pulse spikes briefly, but then the rhythm steadies, strong against my palm.
Then his hand, wrapped in transparent dressing, the IV secured beneath layers of bandage, covers mine and holds it as tightly as he can. The simple gesture wrecks me, pulling a broken breath from my chest.
I close my eyes and settle into myhome.
One that just nearly burned down.
And one I can’t see myself living without.
