Morning sunlight crept through the hospital blinds. Luna had fallen asleep against Alex's shoulder, while Alex rested his head gently on hers. The quiet scene of exhaustion was broken when the doctor entered with a polite smile.
"Good morning," he said softly, waking them both.
Rubbing their eyes, Luna and Alex stood. The doctor handed over some papers. "We'll need these medicines right away, and there are a few payment formalities."
Alex took the list and said, "I'll go get the medicines," before heading out. Luna, her hands trembling, signed the forms and paid the bill.
Meanwhile, the doctor went to check on Nick. He was still unconscious, his pale face unmoving, the machines beside him ticking steadily but faintly.
Luna approached the doctor with pleading eyes. "Please… let me see him. Just once."
The doctor hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. But don't disturb him too much."
Luna entered Nick's room, her footsteps soft as if afraid to wake the silence. Her eyes were swollen from crying; her lips dry, untouched by food since yesterday. She sat beside him, her tears falling onto his hand as she whispered,
"Nick… why don't you speak? I always teased you about being too quiet, but not this quiet. Please, say something. Anything. Please, Nick."
She gripped his hand tightly. For a moment, something flickered—his fingers twitched faintly. The heart monitor began to beep faster, the rhythm growing stronger.
Luna gasped, trembling. "Nick…?"
The machine buzzed loudly, alarms echoing. Nurses rushed in, calling the doctor. Luna was ushered out, tears streaking down her cheeks.
Minutes later, Alex returned with medicines. He saw Luna crying in the hallway and quickly wrapped her in his arms. "What happened?"
"They said… his heartbeat rose too much. They pushed me out."
Alex stroked her hair gently. "He's fighting. Don't lose hope."
Wanting to distract her, he said softly, "Come on, let's get you something to eat. You haven't had anything since yesterday."
But Luna shook her head. "How can I eat when he hasn't eaten either?"
Alex gave her a sad smile. He saw in her eyes how deeply she cared for Nick—not just as a friend, but perhaps something more. Still, he insisted, "Luna, if you collapse, who will take care of him?"
At last, she agreed. In the canteen, she pushed food around her plate, tears dripping now and then. Alex patiently wiped them away, trying to make her smile with little jokes, though his own heart was heavy.
Their fragile lunch was interrupted when a nurse appeared. "The doctor wants to see you both."
Luna instantly stood, abandoning her half-eaten meal. Alex tried to stop her. "Finish first. We'll meet the doctor later."
But Luna snapped, "My friend is more important than food!" She hurried away, Alex following.
Inside the doctor's cabin, the doctor spoke gravely. "Nick's condition is unstable. His body is trembling, dangerously close to coma. But… today, for the first time, his heartbeat rose strongly. That means his soul is still fighting. Often, patients in this state respond best when they are surrounded by the person they care for most. It may help bring him back."
He paused, then added, "Only two people can stay in his room at a time. And… it's best you inform his family."
Luna's heart sank. She stepped outside and shakily dialed Nick's mother. When she explained the accident, the response was cold.
"I'll pay for everything," his mother said flatly. "Just tell the doctors to save him."
Luna's eyes widened in anger. "Is money all you care about? Don't you love your son? Don't you even care if he's alive or dead?!"
But before she could say more, the call ended. A transfer notification buzzed on her phone—money sent to her account. Furious, Luna sent it back, typing a sharp message: "Don't buy his life with money. I'll handle his care myself."
Alex, meanwhile, finished the paperwork with the doctor. When he returned, Luna urged him, "Go to your office, Alex. You've already missed too much."
But Alex shook his head. "No, I'll stay with you."
Luna looked at him firmly. "Please. I'll manage. Don't ruin your work because of me."
Reluctantly, Alex left, though his heart stayed behind.
That evening, Luna sat again beside Nick, holding his hand. Her voice broke as she whispered, "Why don't you say anything, Nick? Why do you always leave me in silence? First my grandmother… now you. Is everyone I love destined to leave?"
Tears soaked her cheeks as she tightened her grip. Inside Nick's mind, his body screamed to respond—to open his eyes, to wipe away her tears. But his body remained heavy, trapped between worlds.
Night fell. Alex returned with dinner. Seeing Luna still broken, he gently fed her with his own hands, cracking silly jokes to make her smile. For a brief moment, Luna managed a weak laugh.
Hours later, near midnight, the doctor came for his special round. He studied Nick's vitals carefully. And then… something unexpected happened.
Nick's body twitched. His hand shifted. The monitor beeped louder.
The doctor leaned forward, eyes wide. "He's responding…"