"I'll be back tomorrow, Jay. Good night." Nathan offered a warm, gentle smile toward Jayden before making his way to the door.
"Thanks, Nat," Jayden murmured in a soft, low whisper, his words catching slightly in his throat as the heavy wooden door clicked shut behind his friend.
Left in the quiet solitude of the room, Jayden stood frozen for a lingering beat, his eyes drawn instantly to Sarah. She was still lying there, her head turned toward him, her gaze fixed on his every movement with an aching intensity. Slowly, almost reverently, he bridged the distance between them. He pulled a wooden chair close to the edge of the mattress, settling into it so he could be near her.
Reaching out, Jayden brushed his fingers gently across the back of her hand, tracing the soft curve of her skin before taking her hand into his own with tender care.
