“Hadley!” Standing in the hallway, Ernest looked panicked, his breath short. Eric was with him, concern etched on his face.

“Ernest.” Hadley greeted quietly, dropping her voice. “The doctor said Elissa’s out of immediate danger, but she’s still not awake. You should stay with her, but let her rest.”

“I understand!” Relief flooded Ernest’s face, and he hurried into Elissa’s room.

Hadley remained outside, gently pulling the door closed behind him. Turning to Eric, she smiled. “Thank you for helping earlier. I appreciate it.”

“Really, it’s nothing…” Eric waved off her thanks. His sentence trailed off as he suddenly winced, raising his hand to his temple. A sharp cry of pain escaped him before he could stop it.

“Eric! Are you alright?” Hadley exclaimed, her voice laced with alarm as she hurried to Eric’s side, steadying him with a gentle hand. She studied his pale face, her words quivering with worry. “Is your head pounding? How bad is it?”

Eric squeezed his eyes shut, his brow creasing as he gave a faint shake of his head. “No… it’s nothing…” Hadley’s heart sank. Even in such a frail state, Eric was still trying to brush off his condition, stubborn as ever.

“Eric!” Hadley’s tone sharpened with urgency. “You need to see a doctor, pronto! Who’s your doctor? I’ll come with you!”

“There’s no need…” Eric murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

“No need?” Hadley’s voice climbed, her nerves fraying. “What, you don’t want me there? Fine, I’ll step back, let Phillips take you instead!”

She glanced over her shoulder at Phillips, who lingered nearby. “Phillips! Over here, please!”

As she started to pull away, Eric’s hand caught hers, his grip surprisingly firm. “Hadley!” His breaths came in shallow gasps. “That is not what I meant… how could I not want you by my side?” Deep down, it was a wish he cherished but never dared voice.

“It’s just… a visit to the doctor won’t change much right now,” Eric added softly, his tone gentler. To him, a visit to the clinic would only yield a prescription and a lecture about rest, nothing new.

“I just need my meds. Honestly,” Eric insisted.

“Your meds?” Hadley’s eyes lit up with realization, and she leaned closer, patting Eric’s pockets. “Where are they?”

“Left side pocket.”

“Got it!” Hadley fished out a small bottle, twisting off the cap with purpose.

“How many?”

“Two,” Eric replied.

Hadley paused, her breath catching. “Two?”

“Yes.” Eric nodded faintly.

.

.

.