The clock ticked steadily, its sound slicing through the quiet.
Each second was a cruel reminder that Parin's time was slipping away.
Manida rested her head beside the bed, never letting go of her hand.
That hand was cold — so cold that she gripped it harder, as if she could anchor Parin to life itself.
"Lin… please wake up." Her voice cracked.
Parin's eyelids fluttered open, her eyes weak but still full of gentleness.
"I'm here…"
Manida's chest ached. "Why are you still pretending to be strong? The doctor said—"
Parin smiled faintly. "I just… want to see you smile again."
That single sentence shattered Manida's last defenses.
"I can't!" she sobbed. "How can I smile when you're leaving me?!"
Silence filled the room — only the steady beeping of the machines remained.
After a long pause, Parin gathered her strength to speak again.
"Do you remember… the first time we met in the library? You pushed up your glasses and looked at me so coldly. I thought… this woman was like an unreachable fortress."
Manida froze, tears trembling in her lashes.
Parin continued, her voice fading.
"But that fortress… later opened a door for me. Inside… I found warmth."
"Stop it!" Manida cried, clutching her tightly. "Don't talk like you're saying goodbye — I won't let you!"
Parin's weak hand brushed her back.
"I'm not saying goodbye… I'm just… leaving my last courage with you."
Rain began tapping against the window, thunder rolling in the distance.
Manida stayed by her side, clinging to the only faith she had left — that she would not let go.
But deep down, she knew — this vigil could end at any moment.