"So you're just going to lie there and pretend you didn't hear me walk in?"
Lia slowly turned her head toward the voice.
Luke stood near the foot of the hospital bed, one hand resting casually in his pocket while the other held a small paper bag. His expression carried that same familiar half-amused look she remembered from years ago.
For a moment she just stared at him.
"...You actually came."
Luke raised an eyebrow.
"You sound surprised."
"I am."
He walked over and dropped the bag gently on the table beside her bed.
"You look terrible," he said casually.
Lia frowned.
"Wow. That's the first thing you say after not seeing me for years?"
"I'm honest."
"You're rude."
Luke shrugged.
"Same thing."
Despite herself, Lia let out a soft breath that almost sounded like a laugh.
Luke pulled the chair closer and sat down.
"You're supposed to be resting," he said.
"I was."
"You were staring at the ceiling."
"That counts."
Luke leaned back in the chair, studying her face.
"You scared everyone."
Lia's expression remained calm.
"I'm still alive."
"That's not the point."
She shrugged slightly.
Luke didn't press further. Instead, he reached into the bag and began pulling things out.
A container of fruit.
A small stack of snack bars.
A thin silver bracelet.
Lia noticed the bracelet immediately.
"You brought gifts?"
Luke held it up.
"You used to like these."
Lia slowly reached for it.
Her fingers brushed over the cool metal.
"You remembered."
"You think I forget things that easily?"
"You forgot to visit for three years."
Luke smirked slightly.
"That's different."
"How?"
"I graduated."
"That's not an excuse."
"It is when you move cities."
Lia slipped the bracelet around her wrist and adjusted it.
"Still dramatic," she muttered.
Luke leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
"You're avoiding the question."
"What question?"
"What happened."
Lia picked up a slice of apple from the fruit container.
"Life."
"That's vague."
"It's enough."
Luke watched her chew slowly.
He didn't look convinced.
Outside the hospital room, Adrian turned the corner of the corridor with quick steps.
He had barely slept the night before.
The moment he reached Lia's door, he slowed.
Jaden was already there.
Leaning against the wall.
Adrian frowned.
"You've been here long?"
Jaden straightened slightly.
"About fifteen minutes."
"Why didn't you go in?"
Jaden glanced toward the door.
"Someone's already inside."
Adrian looked through the small glass panel.
A tall figure sat beside Lia's bed.
Adrian's expression darkened immediately.
"Who is that?"
Jaden stepped closer to the glass.
"I don't know."
Inside the room, Luke had just handed Lia another apple slice.
"You should eat more," he said.
"I'm not starving."
"You look like you are."
Lia rolled her eyes.
"You're annoying."
"You're welcome."
She leaned back against the pillows.
"How long are you staying?"
Luke shrugged.
"A while."
"You don't have school?"
"Finished already."
Lia tilted her head.
"Already?"
"Two years older, remember?"
"Barely."
Luke smirked.
"Still counts."
A knock sounded on the door.
Lia glanced toward it briefly but didn't move.
Luke stood and walked over.
When he opened the door halfway, Adrian stood there.
Jaden beside him.
Both of them immediately tried to look past Luke into the room.
Luke leaned against the doorframe casually.
"Yes?"
Adrian frowned.
"Move."
Luke raised an eyebrow.
"That's not very polite."
"We came to see her."
Luke didn't move.
"She's resting."
Adrian scoffed.
"She's clearly awake."
Luke glanced over his shoulder.
Lia was sitting up in the bed watching them.
Calm.
Silent.
Luke turned back to the hallway.
"She needs quiet."
Adrian stepped closer.
"And you don't?"
Luke shrugged.
"I got here first."
Jaden studied him carefully.
"You're family?"
Luke nodded.
"Something like that."
Adrian's jaw tightened.
"Then you should know we're not leaving."
Luke didn't look bothered.
"That sounds like your problem."
Before Adrian could respond, Luke closed the door again.
The soft click echoed down the hallway.
Adrian stared at the door.
"You've got to be kidding me."
Jaden folded his arms.
"Well... that was interesting."
Inside the room, Luke returned to the chair.
Lia was watching him.
"You just blocked them."
"They looked intense."
"They always do."
Luke leaned back in the chair again.
"You didn't stop me."
"You didn't ask."
"True."
Lia picked up another apple slice.
"They'll survive."
Outside, Adrian began pacing.
"This guy shows up out of nowhere and suddenly he's guarding the door."
Jaden watched him quietly.
"You're jealous."
"I'm not jealous."
"You're pacing."
"I'm annoyed."
"Same thing."
Adrian stopped walking.
"I just want to see her."
Jaden's voice softened slightly.
"So do I."
Inside the room, Luke opened another small bag.
"What's that?" Lia asked.
"Books."
"You brought books too?"
"You get bored easily."
Lia flipped through one of them.
"You remembered."
Luke smiled faintly.
"Of course."
Lia placed the book on the table beside her.
"You really planned this visit."
"I didn't want to show up empty-handed."
Outside, Adrian leaned his head back against the wall.
"How long is he staying?"
Jaden glanced at the clock.
"Probably until visiting hours end."
Adrian sighed.
"So we just wait?"
Jaden shrugged.
"Looks like it."
Inside, Luke watched Lia carefully.
"You okay?" he asked.
She stared at the ceiling.
"I'm fine."
"You don't sound fine."
"I didn't ask for therapy."
Luke chuckled softly.
"Fair enough."
Lia turned her head toward the door briefly.
"They're still out there, aren't they?"
Luke nodded.
"Yep."
"Still arguing?"
"Mostly pacing."
Lia looked back at the ceiling.
"They'll tire themselves out."
Luke studied her expression.
"You don't seem very concerned."
"I'm not."
Outside the door, Adrian pushed himself off the wall.
"I'm going back in."
Jaden grabbed his arm lightly.
"Wait."
"For what?"
"Give her time."
Adrian hesitated.
Inside the room, Lia slowly closed her eyes.
Luke noticed.
"You should sleep," he said quietly.
"Maybe."
"You need rest."
"You sound like a nurse."
"I'm responsible."
Lia gave a faint smile without opening her eyes.
"Since when?"
"Since I walked in here."
He adjusted the blanket slightly over her shoulder.
Outside the door, Adrian stared through the glass again.
Luke sat calmly beside Lia's bed, completely at ease.
And somehow that calm presence irritated him more than anything else.
Jaden noticed his expression.
"You're really bothered by him."
Adrian didn't answer.
He just kept staring at the door.
The week passed slowly.
Hospital days always felt longer than normal days. The sunlight through the tall windows shifted hour by hour, nurses moved in and out of rooms, and the quiet hum of machines filled the spaces between conversations.
By the seventh morning, Lia was already awake before the nurse entered.
She sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor while slowly tying the strings of the hospital gown behind her back.
The door opened.
Luke walked in with a paper cup of coffee in one hand and a small bag in the other.
"You're up early," he said.
Lia didn't look up.
"I hate hospital beds."
Luke set the coffee down on the table.
"Doctor said you're being discharged today."
"I know."
"You sound thrilled."
"I'm relieved."
Luke leaned against the wall, watching her quietly.
For the past week he had been the one sitting beside her bed most of the time. Nurses had already grown used to him being there.
But the two figures who had tried to visit almost every day never made it inside.
Every time Adrian or Jaden showed up, the nurse at the desk had the same answer.
"Only one visitor at a time."
And every time, Luke was already inside.
Lia never asked for them.
Never called them in.
Never said their names.
Luke pushed the bag toward her.
"Clothes."
She looked up.
"My mom brought those?"
"No."
"You did?"
"You can't exactly walk out wearing that hospital robe."
Lia opened the bag and pulled out a soft grey sweater and black jeans.
"You guessed my size?"
Luke shrugged.
"I remember things."
She looked at him for a moment but said nothing.
Half an hour later the doctor signed the discharge papers.
By the time Lia walked out of the hospital doors, the afternoon sun felt almost too bright.
Luke walked beside her carrying the bag.
"You okay?" he asked.
"I'm fine."
"You keep saying that."
"Because it's true."
A black car waited near the curb.
Luke opened the passenger door for her.
She slid inside without arguing.
Across the street, two familiar figures stood near a small café.
Adrian had been standing there for nearly twenty minutes.
He had come early hoping to catch Lia before she left.
But when he saw her walking out with Luke beside her, something inside him tightened.
Jaden stood beside him, watching the same scene.
"So she's leaving today," Jaden said quietly.
Adrian didn't respond.
His eyes stayed fixed on the car.
Luke closed the passenger door and walked around to the driver's seat.
A few seconds later the car pulled away from the curb.
Adrian exhaled slowly.
"She didn't even look this way."
Jaden kept his voice calm.
"She probably didn't see us."
Adrian didn't answer.
The car disappeared around the corner.
⸻
The next few days were quiet.
Lia stayed home resting, just like the doctor advised.
Luke came over almost every morning.
Sometimes he brought food.
Sometimes books.
Sometimes nothing at all.
But he stayed.
Lia's mother didn't seem to mind.
She was relieved someone was keeping Lia company.
Most of the time Lia sat on the couch in the living room while Luke occupied the armchair across from her.
The television played softly in the background.
One afternoon, Luke tossed a small bag of candy toward her.
"You're bored," he said.
"I'm not."
"You've changed the channel six times."
"There's nothing good on."
Luke leaned back in the chair.
"You used to be more patient."
"I used to be healthier."
Luke didn't respond to that.
Instead he grabbed the remote and turned the TV off completely.
Lia looked at him.
"What was that for?"
"You're clearly not watching it."
"So now I have to stare at you?"
"You're welcome."
Lia rolled her eyes but didn't turn the television back on.
Outside the house, Adrian slowed his steps as he walked down the sidewalk.
He hadn't planned to stop.
But the moment he saw the car parked in the driveway, he recognized it immediately.
Luke's car.
Adrian's jaw tightened slightly.
Across the street, Jaden appeared walking in the opposite direction.
He noticed Adrian standing there and followed his gaze toward the house.
"Still here?" Jaden asked quietly.
Adrian nodded once.
"He's been here every day."
Jaden leaned lightly against a nearby fence.
"Maybe he's just visiting."
"Every day?"
Jaden didn't answer that.
Inside the house, Lia was flipping through a book while Luke scrolled through something on his phone.
"You're quiet today," he said suddenly.
Lia looked up.
"You're loud enough for both of us."
"That's not what I meant."
She closed the book.
"What did you mean?"
Luke tilted his head slightly.
"You're thinking about something."
"Maybe."
"Want to talk about it?"
"No."
Luke shrugged.
"Fair."
Lia leaned back into the couch cushions.
"They've been outside again."
Luke glanced toward the window.
"Adrian and Jaden?"
"Yeah."
"They're persistent."
"They're annoying."
Luke smirked slightly.
"You could let them in."
Lia's expression remained calm.
"I could."
"But you won't."
"No."
Luke studied her face.
"You're avoiding them."
"Maybe."
"Why?"
Lia didn't answer.
Outside the house, Adrian shoved his hands into his pockets.
"He's inside again."
Jaden nodded.
"Looks like it."
Adrian stared at the house for a few seconds longer.
"We should go."
Jaden didn't argue.
⸻
A week later Lia returned to school.
The hallway buzzed with noise as students moved between classes.
The moment Lia walked through the entrance, conversations slowed slightly.
Everyone had heard what happened.
Some people stared.
Some whispered.
Lia ignored all of it.
Luke walked beside her with easy confidence, one hand resting casually on the strap of his backpack.
"You sure you're ready for this?" he asked.
"It's school," Lia replied.
"That doesn't answer the question."
"It's just school."
As they turned the corner toward the main hallway, Adrian and Jaden were already there.
They noticed her immediately.
Adrian straightened slightly.
Jaden's gaze moved from Lia to the person walking beside her.
Luke.
The same calm expression.
The same relaxed posture.
Lia didn't slow down.
She walked past them as if they were just two other students standing in the hallway.
Adrian opened his mouth slightly, then closed it again.
Jaden watched her disappear down the corridor.
Luke glanced back once before turning the corner after her.
Adrian's jaw tightened.
"He's still with her."
Jaden nodded.
"Looks like it."
Adrian leaned against the locker behind him.
"I haven't talked to her in almost two weeks."
Jaden looked down the hallway where Lia had gone.
"Neither have I."
They stood there for a moment longer before the bell rang.
Students began moving again.
And somewhere down the corridor, Lia walked beside Luke like nothing had changed.
But Adrian and Jaden both knew something had.
The lunch bell rang, sending a wave of noise through the hallways. Lockers slammed, laughter echoed, and students poured out of classrooms like water rushing through a broken dam.
Lia walked slowly through the corridor, her books pressed lightly against her chest. The noise felt overwhelming after spending so many quiet days recovering at home. Every voice seemed louder than usual, every movement sharper.
She kept her eyes down, focusing on the floor tiles as she walked.
One step.
Another.
Just get through the day.
That was all she wanted.
A few students greeted her as they passed.
"Hey Lia, welcome back."
"Good to see you again."
She nodded politely, giving small smiles that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Inside, she felt distant from everything.
Like she was watching the world from behind glass.
She turned a corner-
-and walked straight into someone.
The impact was light, but enough to make the books in her arms slip.
"Oh-"
A hand shot out quickly, catching one of the falling books before it hit the floor.
"Careful."
The voice was familiar.
Lia looked up.
Jaden.
For a moment neither of them spoke.
Jaden held the book out to her.
"You almost dropped this."
She took it slowly.
"Thanks."
Her voice was quiet.
Almost too calm.
Jaden studied her face.
Up close, he could see the faint shadows under her eyes, the way her shoulders seemed a little tense, like she was bracing herself without realizing it.
"You're back," he said.
"Yeah."
"How are you feeling?"
"Better."
Short answers.
Plain.
Jaden noticed immediately.
He shifted his weight slightly.
"I tried visiting you," he said.
Lia blinked once.
"I heard."
"Your cousin didn't let me in."
She looked away briefly.
"He's just protective."
Jaden let out a small breath.
"Protective from me?"
"I didn't say that."
"But he still blocked the door."
Lia didn't respond.
Silence settled between them for a few seconds.
Students continued walking past them, voices blending into a distant hum.
Jaden rubbed the back of his neck.
"You scared us, you know."
"I'm fine."
"You keep saying that."
"Because it's true."
Her tone wasn't defensive.
Just flat.
Almost detached.
Jaden frowned slightly.
The Lia he knew would've joked about the hospital food or complained about boredom.
This Lia felt like someone who had built a quiet wall around herself.
"Did something happen?" he asked carefully.
"No."
"Then why do you feel so... far away?"
Lia shifted the books in her arms.
"I'm just tired."
"That's not what I mean."
She finally looked at him properly.
"What do you mean then?"
Jaden hesitated.
He wasn't even sure how to explain it.
"It just feels like you're avoiding everyone."
"I'm not."
"You haven't spoken to Adrian either."
Her gaze flickered slightly at the mention of his name, but it disappeared just as quickly.
"I just got back," she said.
"I know."
"Then you should understand."
Jaden studied her expression again.
It was calm.
Too calm.
Like she had rehearsed every response in advance.
"Do you want to sit somewhere?" he asked. "The cafeteria's crowded but the courtyard is quiet."
Lia shook her head.
"I'm not really hungry."
"You should still eat something."
"I will later."
Another pause stretched between them.
Jaden felt a strange frustration building in his chest.
Not anger.
Just confusion.
He didn't know how to reach her.
"You know you can talk to me, right?" he said quietly.
"I know."
"But you're not."
"I just don't have anything to say."
That answer sat heavily between them.
Jaden looked down briefly before nodding once.
"Okay."
Lia shifted her bag slightly on her shoulder.
"I should go."
He stepped aside automatically to let her pass.
But before she walked away, he spoke again.
"Lia."
She stopped.
Slowly turned back.
"Yes?"
"You don't have to handle everything by yourself."
For a moment her expression softened slightly.
Then the distance returned.
"I'm fine," she said quietly.
Jaden watched her for a second, then nodded.
"Alright."
Lia gave a small nod in return.
Then she turned and walked down the hallway.
Her steps were steady.
Unhurried.
Jaden watched until she disappeared around the corner.
He stayed there for a long moment, staring at the empty hallway.
Something was wrong.
He could feel it.
Across the courtyard windows, Adrian stood leaning against a pillar, his arms folded.
He had been watching the entire scene.
He pushed himself off the wall and walked over.
"So?" Adrian asked.
Jaden looked at him.
"She's not the same."
Adrian scoffed lightly.
"No kidding."
"I'm serious."
Adrian glanced down the hallway where Lia had walked.
"What did she say?"
"Mostly nothing."
"That sounds about right."
Jaden frowned slightly.
"She said she just needs space."
Adrian's jaw tightened.
"Funny how that space includes both of us."
Jaden didn't respond.
Adrian kicked lightly at the floor.
"That cousin of hers shows up out of nowhere and suddenly we're not allowed near her."
"It's not about Luke."
"How do you know?"
"Because she didn't sound angry."
Adrian crossed his arms again.
"Then what did she sound like?"
Jaden thought about it for a moment.
"Tired."
Adrian looked confused.
"Tired?"
"Like she's carrying something she doesn't want to talk about."
Adrian looked back toward the courtyard.
Students laughed loudly at one of the tables.
Life moving on like nothing had changed.
"She barely looked at me today," he muttered.
Jaden stayed quiet.
Adrian exhaled sharply.
"I hate this."
"What?"
"Not knowing what's going on."
Jaden nodded slightly.
The final bell rang, and students poured out of the building, laughing, talking, and hustling toward buses, cars, and the school gates. Lia stayed back a moment, waiting for the familiar sight she knew would bring a little comfort.
A sleek black car pulled up to the curb. The engine hummed softly, and the driver's door opened before the car fully stopped. Luke stepped out, wearing the same calm, effortless look he always carried. Behind him, the car doors opened again, and two small heads peeked out-Lia's younger sisters, giggling and whispering to each other.
"Hey!" Lia called softly as she made her way to the car.
"Ready?" Luke asked, his voice light but watchful.
"I think so," she said, sliding into the passenger seat. Her sisters bounced into the backseat, chatting about school, about games, about random things that made Lia smile despite herself.
Luke got into the driver's seat, glancing in the rearview mirror at the girls. "You two behave, or we're skipping the arcade."
The sisters squealed, pretending to look offended but clearly excited. Lia laughed softly, a sound that felt more like herself than it had in days.
The drive to her house was easy. Luke navigated the streets while the girls pointed out every little thing they saw-stray dogs, colorful shop signs, a flock of birds taking off from the park. Lia watched quietly, occasionally smiling at her sisters' antics.
Once at home, the girls rushed inside to drop their bags, and Lia followed more slowly, taking a deep breath. Luke leaned back against the car, waiting patiently.
By late afternoon, they were all ready. The air was warm, and the sky tinged with orange and pink as the evening approached. Luke drove them to the arcade a few streets over, a favorite spot of the girls.
As soon as they entered, the atmosphere changed completely. Neon lights, the hum of machines, the cheerful chaos of kids running around-it was a sensory overload, but a good one.
The girls ran straight to a claw machine, dragging Lia with them. Luke followed, hands in his pockets, watching as Lia's laughter started to flow freely.
"Come on, try it!" one of the sisters said, handing her the joystick.
Lia hesitated, then grinned and pressed the buttons, successfully grabbing a small stuffed animal. Her sisters cheered wildly, hugging her tightly.
Luke shook his head with a small smile. "I see someone's competitive streak is still alive."
Lia looked at him, still holding the plushie. "You've got to have fun while you can."
The evening stretched on with games, tickets, and laughter. Luke joined in, showing off an impressive high score on one of the racing machines, much to the girls' delight. They ended the night with a small pile of tickets and prizes, giggling as they argued over who got what.
By the time they left the arcade, the sun had fully set, and the sky was darkening into a deep navy. The car ride home was quieter, the girls tired from the excitement, and Lia leaned her head against the window, smiling softly.
Luke glanced at her from the driver's seat. "See? Not everything has to be complicated."
Lia gave a small nod, closing her eyes for a moment. "Maybe... you're right."
For the first time that day, she felt like the weight on her chest had lightened just a little.
The world outside the window was quiet, but inside the car, with Luke driving and her sisters asleep in the back, Lia felt a small bubble of peace settle around her. And for tonight, that was enough.
