Summoning every ounce of her fading strength, she managed to whisper, “Thank you.”
Her words hung in the air, a fragile connection before she surrendered to the darkness.
Stella’s eyes fluttered open, and a wave of agony rippled through her body. The pain that surged through her was almost too much to endure.
Blinking against the pain, her gaze fixed on the ceiling above her.
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An IV drip hung beside her head. A tang of disinfectant nipped at her senses, a sharp aroma that wrapped itself around her.
Memories of the moments leading to her unconsciousness danced at the edges of her mind. With determination fueling her, she attempted to rise, propping herself up on trembling arms.
Just then, the door swung open.
Oliver hurried to her side, his hand finding purchase on her shoulder.
“Stella, you’re awake? Do you feel uncomfortable?”
A muted shake of her head was her only response, a dull ache echoing in the gesture.
She parted her lips, ready to voice her confusion, but her attention shifted like a magnet drawn to another presence. Clint’s form limped into view, a cane supporting his weakened stance. Lines of regret etched deep into his aging face.
“Grandpa…” Stella let out a raspy sound, her own voice catching her by surprise, a scratchiness she hadn’t anticipated.
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Clint’s face contorted with pain, his words laced with self-blame.
“I shouldn’t have let my child grow up like this. This is on me.”
His gaze bore into Oliver, a stern reproach in his eyes.
“Why didn’t you have someone watch over her? What if things went wrong?”
Tears welled up in his eyes, choking his voice as he confessed his fears.
“If something happened, how could I even look Stella in the eyes?”
“Stella, I take full responsibility for this.” Oliver owned up to his mistake, his words sincere.
“I had a few too many drinks last night.
It’s all on me. I’m truly sorry.”
“None of us could have seen this coming. There’s no need for apologies.” Stella reassured them, her voice gentle.
“And, really, I’m completely fine.”
As she spoke, she gradually remembered what happened before she fainted.