As soon as Karen left, Ste immediately slouched in her chair, all pretense of poise gone. Queenie watched herzy posture, smiling and shaking her head, but said nothing.

    “He keeps pestering the doctors about your condition every day, but he won’te see you. How did I never notice how awkward he is?” Ste’s words drew a sigh from Alessia.

    She remembered waking up and hearing that Cole had burst into tears in front of everyone. He must have been mortified afterward, because he’d been avoiding everyone ever since–even Alessia. He didn’t even have the courage to face her. Instead, he’d only dare to slip quietly into her hospital room in the dead of night, keeping vigil by her side while the world slept.

    Of course, Alessia knew Cole was wandering the hospital halls every day. She figured he’d show up once he got himself together, but she hadn’t expected him to stay away for three whole days.

    “Just… don’t mention it to him again, okay?” Alessia said, instinctively wanting to protect Cole.

    “Don’t worry, we’re not that oblivious,” Ste replied, waving her hand dismissively.

    She made it look easy, acting carefree, but only Justin knew how many times Ste had criedte at night over Alessia’s ordeal. She was in no position to mock Cole for struggling with his feelings.

    “But he can’t keep hiding forever,” Queenie said, voicing what they were all thinking.

    “It’s fine. I have a solution,” Alessia replied, lips pressed tightly together, eyes glinting with resignation.

    Queenie and Ste exchanged a nce and shrugged. There was nothing more to

    say.

    Night fell, and the hospital room was cloaked in darkness. The only sound was the gentle beeping of the monitors. Alessiay still, looking for all the world as if she were fast asleep.

    Cole crept inside, quietly closing the door behind him, careful not to make a sound. He walked over to Alessia’s bedside and gazed at her for a long moment, then retreated to the sofa, ready to keep his usual silent vigil until Karen arrived in the morning.

    b10:40 /b

    But this time, he’d miscalcted.

    “Cole.” Alessia’s voice cut through the darkness, making his heart thud painfully in his

    chest.

    He held his breath, hoping she was just talking in her sleep.

    “Cole,e here.” There was no trace of drowsiness in her tone; she was wide

    awake.

    He pressed his lips together, unmoving.

    “Are you nning to avoid me forever? I fought so hard ito /ie back just to see you,” Alessia said, her voice tinged with hurt.

    That hint of vulnerability undid himpletely.

    In the pitch–ck room–where Alessia couldn’t possibly see him–Cole straightened, head hung low like a scolded child.

    “I’m not,” he replied, and his voice was just as wounded.

    “Then why won’t you see me? You’ve been avoiding me for three days.”

    “It’s embarrassing. Besides, I have seen you. Ie here every day,” Cole insisted, trying to find an excuse.

    “But I haven’t seen you. I worked so hard to wake up for you, and now that I have, you’re nowhere to be found. Did iyou /iwant me to—”

    Before she could finish, Cole reached over and gently covered her mouth with his

    hand.

    “Don’t say it,” he said, an unusual note of authority in his voice.

    He took her hand and brought it to his lips, giving it a yful nip as if to punish her.

    “Then you can’t hide from me anymore. I tried so hard, so hard to wake up…” It was already past two in the morning. Alessia had been going to bed earlytely, exhausted from her recovery. If she hadn’t been waiting to catch Cole, she’d have been asleep hours ago.

    “Alright, I won’t hide anymore. Thank you for fighting to wake up,” Cole said, pressing a gentle kiss to her hand, his devotion almost reverent.

    “Because… Mom and Dad said you were waiting for me…” Alessia’s voice grew and softer, but for Cole, it was enough to bring tears to his eyes.

    softer

    b10.40 /b

    He wasn’t the type to cry easily, but tonight, he couldn’t help himself.

    “Go to sleep. When you wake up, I’ll be right here. I’m not going anywhere.” He kissed her softly, sealing his promise in the hush of the night.