Morning light lifted the curtains gently, spilling gold across the white bedsheets.
Parin lay quietly, her breathing even but frail.
When she opened her eyes, the ceiling swam into view, pale and distant.
"Parin…"
Manida immediately took her hand, her voice trembling — so unlike her usual composed self.
"You're awake…"
Parin's gaze slowly focused on her face.
In those eyes flickered the same familiar tenderness, though veiled by confusion, fading in and out like a wavering flame.
"…Manida."
Her voice was soft, but uncertain.
Manida's heart clenched.
This wasn't mere amnesia — it was a shattered recollection, fragments of their past struggling to reassemble, incomplete and fragile.
"It's all right," she whispered. "Take your time. I'll be with you — we'll find the missing pieces together."
Parin looked at her, eyes glinting with something like sorrow — as if she could see through Manida's fragile calm.
She opened her mouth to speak, but suddenly a metallic taste filled her throat.
Her body stiffened — then blood spilled from her lips.
"Parin!"
Manida screamed, catching her trembling body, hands shaking uncontrollably as she tried to stop the bleeding. The crimson stain spread fast — burning into her eyes.
"Doctor! Doctor!"
She shouted until her voice broke, tears streaming down her face.
Parin gasped, but her eyes were startlingly clear.
She reached out with trembling fingers to wipe away Manida's tears.
"Don't cry… Manida… I remember now… so many things… they're all coming back…"
"You remember?"
Manida froze, eyes filling again.
Parin nodded faintly, forcing a weak smile despite the pain twisting her body.
"Only… I don't think I have much time left…"
"Don't say that!"
Manida held her tight, her voice breaking.
"You're going to live — you have to! Even if the whole world gives up on you, I won't!"
Blood soaked through her clothes, but Parin only smiled faintly, her fingers entwining with Manida's.
In the chaos of rushing footsteps and urgent shouts, her whisper fell softly —
A fragile, eternal promise.
"I love you… even if… there's no next second…"