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Alexander stayed with me the whole time.
He handled everything—
the examinations,
the IV drips,
the admission paperwork.
When I woke from the haze.
The sterile white ceiling confused me for a second.
Then I felt a weight and warmth on my right hand.
I slowly turned my head.
Alexander was there, asleep with his face pressed into my palm.
I could feel the steady rhythm of his breathing against my skin,
and a faint dampness, like the ghost of tears.
He had been crying.
For me.
In that instant, something deep inside me shifted.
I knew I was softening.
I craved this closeness, this tenderness with him.
I was secretly glad he could still cry for me.
I felt like a thief, wanting to steal all this goodness, to make the happiness last longer.
After a few minutes, he stirred, instinctively tucking the blanket around me tighter.
Blinking sleepily, his eyes met mine.
He snapped awake, pure joy flooding his face.
"You’re awake!"
"You have no idea how worried I was!"
"I’m so sorry! I forgot… I forgot how you wrecked your stomach drinking for me all those years ago! My fault! How could I forget? How could I let you drink?"
His guilt felt real.
His emotions overwhelmed him; a heavy tear rolled down and splashed onto the back of my hand.
He squeezed my hand tightly. "The doctor said… if it had been any worse… they might have had to remove half your stomach."
Then he slapped himself hard across the face!
The sound echoed. He’d used full force.
His fair skin immediately flushed red and swollen.
He raised his hand for another blow.
I grabbed his wrist first.
My voice was hoarse. "I’m not angry."
I looked him straight in the eyes, my tone serious. "Alex, can we just be good to each other? I admit, I don’t like Bella. I feel like… compared to her, you always favor her. I don’t know if it’s just me. But for my sake, please keep your distance from her. Okay?"
Alexander hesitated. He pressed his lips together, then nodded. "Okay. I promise. I’ll keep my distance from Bella. But please believe me, I only see her as a little sister. Seeing her struggle in this industry reminds me of myself starting out. That’s why I want to help her instinctively. Please don’t misunderstand."
It felt like we’d cleared the air.
