After everyone had left, only Connor and Camila remained in the VIP hospital room’s lounge.
They sat together on the couch. There was a palpable tension hanging in the air. Camila pressed her lips tightly together, and her face still showed signs of worry and unease.
Connor understood her anxiety. He believed that sometimes, crying was the best way to release sorrow. If she let it out, she probably would feel better.
Connor moved closer to her, wrapping his arms around her, inviting her to lean on his shoulder.
“Just cry,” he whispered.
Feeling Connor’s warmth, Camila instinctively moved closer to him. Her tears fell silently, like pearls slipping off a string, dampening Connor’s shirt.
She clutched the corner of his shirt tightly, as if finding a safe harbor in his embrace.
Connor gently stroked her hair. His voice was low and steady. “Your mom will be alright.”
With him by her side, Camila felt a great sense of comfort. She unconsciously sought more warmth, burying her face in his neck. Before long, she drifted off to sleep on Connor’s shoulder.
After she was sound asleep, Connor gently carried her to bed, tucked her in, and softly brushed away the tear stains on her cheeks and the slight furrow in her brow.
He looked at her tenderly, bending down to plant a soft kiss on her forehead.
“Everything will be okay,” he murmured as if whispering to her dreams.
The night deepened, and the room was filled only with Connor’s vigilant figure and Camila’s peaceful sleeping face.
Dawn was breaking.
“Mom!” Camila suddenly woke up, sitting bolt upright in bed. Her face was stricken with panic.
Connor immediately went to her, embracing her and gently stroking her head, soothing her, “It’s okay. Your mom is fine.”
Still on edge, Camila clung tightly to Connor, drawing comfort from his presence. “I’m so scared...”
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