Maera's name flashed once more through Sara's mind like a spark in a storm. Just lookingat
Alexa—her face, her worried eyes—it was enough to pull Maera back into her thoughts. Sheremembered that moment in college, years ago, when she had hurt her foot badly, and Maerahadrushed to her side without hesitation.That memory wasn't just a flash. It came like a wave—beautiful, painful, and sharp. A haunting ache that made her chest tighten. She instinctivelypressed a trembling hand to her heart and clutched at her shirt, trying to hold herself
together.Alexa noticed instantly. "Sara? What's wrong?" she asked, her voice breaking, filledwith alarm. There was something in Alexa's gaze—something fearful, something deep—that Sara couldn't
understand, but she couldn't ignore either.Sara tried to speak. Her lips moved, but nothingcameout. Her throat felt like sandpaper. Hunger gnawed at her insides. Dark bruises shaded the soft
skin beneath her eyes. In just a matter of days, she looked like someone who had been worndown by years of pain.Alexa felt her heart crack. It was as if someone had taken a knife toit, carving it into jagged little pieces.She turned to Sam and Zero, her voice pleading. "Please, goget something—anything—for her to eat. Now."She hurried back to Sara, knelt beside her, andoffered her a bottle of water. Sara reached out like a desperate child and drank greedily, as if thewater was the only thing anchoring her to life. It spilled from the corners of her mouth, streamingdown her jaw and onto her pale, beautiful neck.Alexa's breath caught in her throat.She reachedout, almost instinctively, and began to gently wipe the water from Sara's neck with her fingertips. But her hand didn't stop there. Her touch slowly traced the bruises on Sara's shoulders—soft, delicate motions, as thoughshewere trying to heal them just by touch.Sara looked up, locking eyes with her. Alexa was close. Too close. Her breath was warm against Sara's skin. In Alexa's eyes, there was a storm. Aquiet
desperation. And longing."I'm okay now, Alexa," Sara whispered hoarsely, her voice fragileandbroken. Still, she tried to smile.Alexa froze.And then it hit her.What was she doing?She pulledback quickly, her face flushed, her heart thundering inside her chest like a guilty drumbeat. Awave of shame crashed through her as she sat stiffly, looking away.How could I...? she thought. What the hell was I thinking?
But even in her silent self-reprimand, she knew the truth.She wasn't just worried about Sara's
health. It wasn't just about being a friend anymore.Something inside her was breaking. Something raw and real.And she didn't know how much longer she could hide it.Just then, Samand Zero entered the hospital room, each carrying shopping bags. Sam had picked up Sara's
medications, while Zero, ever the food savior, had brought dinner for everyone.Sara's eyes lit upwith a flicker of excitement—her first genuine reaction in days. "Wow! Thank you, Zero! You'rethe best!" she said cheerfully, her hand instinctively reaching for the steaming bowl of ramen.But
before she could grab it, Zero smacked her hand away gently. "Absolutely not, MadamSara,"he
said in a mischievous tone, grinning. "You're on porridge duty. This ramen's off-limits for you."He handed her the bowl of plain porridge, laughing.Sara made a dramatic face, puffing her
cheeks and whining, "Yaarrrr, I don't want this sad porridge. I want ramen too!""In your dreams, poor Sara," Sam chimed in, mimicking her voice in an exaggerated way. He burst into
laughter.Sara glared. "You devil! You dare copy me? Wait till I get my hands on you—shameless creature!"Sam laughed harder, wiping imaginary tears from his eyes. "Oh, andlookwho's talking about shame now? Madam Sara herself!"But before the laughter could settle, Zero, in the middle of his giggles, said something that silenced the room."Yeah... thank God for that gir—"He stopped mid- sentence.Sam and Alexa immediately turned toward him, sharpness in their gaze. They knewwhat was about to come—and it couldn't. Maera had made them promise. She didn't want Saratoknow.But it was too late.Half the sentence had already escaped.Sam muttered under his breath, "Zero, you unbelievable idiot... Big mouth." He clenched his fists, resisting the urge to smackhisbest friend.Sara had caught it too. She wasn't stupid.Her eyes narrowed. Her tone turned ice-cold."Zero... say it. Tell me
everything. Now."There was no softness in her voice—only an edge. A warning.Zero swallowedhard. A nervous gulp escaped his throat.He hesitated, then spoke in a low, halting voice. "Youwere unconscious. You had lost... a lot of blood. The hospital's blood bank didn't have anyO- positive in stock. It was bad. Really bad."His voice trembled slightly. He looked up, almost
afraid to continue."But... fortunately, a girl came forward. She had O-positive and... she gaveyouher blood. She saved your life, Sara."A pause.Sara's heart skipped a beat. "Who was she? What
was her name?" she asked, her voice urgent. "She... she didn't tell us her name. Just said one word."Zero looked at her, unsure if he shouldspeak it."She called herself... 'Savior.'"Sara froze.The color drained from her face.Her breathingbecame shallow."What...?" she whispered, almost choking on the word. "No... it can't be..."Shestared into the distance, eyes unfocused, like she was watching a memory play out on an
invisible screen.That word.Savior. It echoed in her skull like thunder.She didn't want to believe it.But the moment Zero saidthat
word—Savior—Sara's mind was no longer in the hospital room. Her world shifted, spiraled, andshe was back in time.Back to that day.It had been the inter-college football tournament. Therainwas light but the field was slick. Sara had gone down hard—a sharp twist of her ankle and a deep scrape on her elbow. She
couldn't walk. The pain was unbearable. She remembered the chaos, the concerned voices, thecrowd fading into a blur...And then—Maera.Maera had rushed to her side, arms steady, heart
calm. She had carried Sara to the medical room without a second thought, gently laying her
down as though she were something breakable. Precious.Sara had tried to smile through thepain. "I ruined everything, didn't I?" she whispered. "Because of me... your whole plan fell apart. We
lost. I'm sorry, Maera."But Maera just smiled softly, her eyes focused on the wound as she gentlycleaned the blood away."Ssshhh... Be gentle with yourself," she murmured. "You don't havetoapologize. After all... this is my duty."Sara raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a sly smirkdespite the pain. "Oh really? And since when did it become your duty to rescue me, madam?"she teased playfully. "Who are you, anyway?"Maera didn't miss a beat."Savior," she whispered, her voice suddenly lower—intimate. She leaned in, brushing a strand of hair behind Sara's ear, her breath warm against her skin."I'myour savior, Sara. I'll always be there for you... whenever you need me. Whenever you're
hurting."And just like that, everything stopped. Their eyes met—collided, almost—and in that moment, time ceased to exist.Sara stared intoMaera's eyes. They weren't just beautiful. They were infinite—an ocean of gravity, depth, andmystery. The kind of eyes you could fall into and never find your way back out.She couldn't helpit.Her hand reached up, trembling slightly, and she cupped Maera's face gently—like it was themost fragile, most sacred thing she'd ever held. She wasn't thinking. She wasn't pretending.Shewas just... lost.Lost in her. Drowning in her.Is it even possible... she thought dreamily, for
someone to be this beautiful?
The words slipped from her lips without thought. Her voice was soft. Airy. Enchanted."Cansomeone... really be this beautiful?""Sara?""Sara??"Someone was calling her name now—but
from far away.But she didn't want to come back.Not from that memory.Not fromher.Backinthehospital room, Sara's lips parted slightly.Tears began to well up in her eyes.Her hand
trembled.She didn't know whether to laugh or scream or cry.Because in that single word, her
whole past had come rushing back.Maera hadn't disappeared.She'd never left.She had beenthereall along... in silence... saving her one more time.Sara's consciousness snapped back to the
present with a jolt. Tears were streaming down her cheeks. She was sobbing—uncontrollably, painfully—andeveryone in the room looked deeply alarmed."Sara, are you okay?" Alexa asked, rushingtoher
side. Her voice trembled with concern. "Why are you crying like this? Is everything
alright?"Zero stepped forward hesitantly. "Sara... you can talk to us. If something's wrong, pleaseshare it," he said nervously, clearly shaken by her breakdown.Sara opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came out. Her
throat had closed. Her breath caught. Her chest tightened.She couldn't breathe.Awave of panicsurged through her body.Her mind scrambled—and then another memory surfaced.It was fromtheir college trip, the one she had taken with her friends. She had always been terrified of snakes, and during that camp, one had appeared out of nowhere. Everyone had screamed. But Sara... shehad frozen. Terrified. Paralyzed. Gasping for air.She'd nearly blacked out.And just when it felt
like she wouldn't survive that moment, Maera had come.Maera had held her, calmed her—givenher breath when she had none.She had tilted Sara's face, gently pressed her lips to hers, and
shared the breath she couldn't find on her own.It wasn't just a rescue. It wasn't just CPR.It wassomething else entirely.It was warmth. Safety. Intimacy. A silent promise wrapped in a kiss.Andafter pulling away, Maera had smiled. "See?" she had whispered. "Didn't I tell you? I'm your Savior."That memorystruck like lightning.Alexa, Sam, and Zero had already moved in, desperate to help. But theydidn't know that it wasn't just panic.It was everything.Sara's memories were collapsing over her. Layer upon layer of pain, abandonment, love, confusion—and all of it wrapped around one
name.Maera.Her breath turned ragged. Her eyes fluttered. The world began to blur. Darkness
started to overtake her again.Everything was spinning. Breaking. Shattering.Her heart was
screaming, but no one could hear it.Except for Sam—whose instincts kicked in.He rushedout
into the hallway, shouting down the corridor. "Doctor! Please, hurry! She can't breathe!
Something's wrong!"As fate would have it, the doctor was already headed toward Sara's room. He ran in behind Sam.Inside, Sara was now struggling against the hands of Zero and Alexa, gasping for air like she was drowning in nothingness. Her lips were pale, her body trembling.Thedoctor acted fast—injecting her with a sedative.Sara went limp almost immediately. Anursefitted an oxygen mask back on her face, her chest rising slowly again as artificial breath returnedto her.Alexa sank down into the chair beside her, overwhelmed. She gripped Sara's hand as
tightly as she could, as though willing her soul to stay anchored.Sam leaned against the wall, chest heaving.Zero stood stiffly in the corner, nervously chewing his fingernail to the edge
.The doctor finally turned to them, his expression serious—borderline grim."She's not
improving," he said. "In fact... her condition is deteriorating. I strongly suggest you take her toMs. Rika, our on-site therapist. Book a session as soon as you can."He paused, letting that sinkin."Sara is in an extremely fragile state right now—psychologically and emotionally. I'mworriedshe's on the verge of a complete nervous breakdown. Please, whatever happens... do not pressureher any further. She can't handle it."He gave them one final look, then quietly exited the room.Sara had beenunconscious, sleeping for nearly four hours. Beside her, Alexa had dozed off too—sittingonasmall chair, still holding Sara's hand gently, as if letting go would mean losing her.Sam, meanwhile, was absorbed in a game on his phone, while Zero sat on the couch nearby, stretchingrepeatedly. Despite being focused on his game, Sam couldn't ignore the constant sound of Zero's
exaggerated yawns and stretches.By the tenth one, Sam snapped. "Dude! What is wrong withyou?!"Zero jumped, startled. "What?! Did I hit on your girlfriend or something? Why are youready to kill me?""Zero, seriously, try acting like a human for once! Stop stretching like a dyingwalrus, it's making me sleepy," Sam growled."But you're playing a game! Howcan you be
sleepy?" Zero replied, half annoyed, half confused."Yeah, well your noise is so loud eventhedead would wake up, scream, and die again! It sounds like someone's being strangled," Sammuttered, fully irritated now.Zero widened his eyes dramatically and glared at him. If I don't do
something now, this guy—who probably inherited his grandfather's entire legacy in scolding—won't spare me.He shivered at the thought."Hey Sam," Zero said, switching tones like a probeggar. "I'm starving, man. Can we go grab something to eat? Please? Your poor brother is dyinghere.""Of course you are—like always! Living off my money, as usual. You broke freeloader,"Sam said, rolling his eyes.Zero blinked sweetly. "But bro, that's what you're for. Why wouldI
need anyone else when I've got you?" he said dramatically, hand on chest.Samstopped andstared at him. "What did you just say?!"Zero grinned like a fool. "Didn't your grandpa tell youtolook after me? Huh? You're basically my honorary grandfather. Keep me in a cage if youmust, but don't let me escape."Zero then broke into a ridiculous impression of an old man, completewith a shaky voice and fake hunched shoulders. Sam couldn't help but laugh."You'll never
change, you crazy idiot, " Sam said, chuckling. "Come on."As they both stood up to leave, Sam's gaze drifted towardAlexa, who was sleeping in an uncomfortable position, her face strained even in rest. She still
held Sara's hand tightly."Should we move Alexa to the sofa?" Sam asked."No... let her be," Zeroreplied gently. "She hasn't slept in three days. Let her rest.""I hope she gets the one she loves,"Sam said softly. "Look at her... she's completely falling apart."The room fell silent for a beat
before the boys quietly stepped out.Meanwhile, back in their shared bedroom, Maera was lyingstraight on the bed, her face turned toward the ceiling. Simi lay curled into her arms, her headresting over Maera's chest, fingers absentmindedly tracing invisible shapes against her.Out of
nowhere, Simi spoke."Maee... I was thinking of dyeing my hair. What do you think?"Maera didn't
respond."Maee?" Simi repeated.Still nothing."Hey, Maera! Earth to Maera!" she teased, finallymaking Maera jolt in surprise."Huh? Yeah—sure, whatever you want," Maera mumbled, clearlydistracted. She hadn't heard a single word."You've been so lost lately," Simi said softly. "Ever
since you came back from the hospital... you've been distant, irritated, like your mind is alwayssomewhere else. What's going on?"Maera stayed quiet."No, Maera," Simi said, nowsittingupsharply, the hurt evident in her eyes. "You have to tell me what's going on. You can't keepshutting me out. "Her voice broke, and the cracks ran deeper than just her words. She was trembling now—not
with anger, but with desperation."Should I believe," she continued, "that you're tired of me?That
after seven years together, you've had enough? That maybe... you don't even want to lookat meanymore? Is that it?!"Her voice cracked.Tears brimmed in her eyes."I can't live without you, Maera," she whispered, choking back sobs. "Even thinking about being without you makes mychest tighten. I... I don't know how to breathe without you."Maera, stunned, sat up slowly. Her
heart shattered at the sight of Simi crying like that."Hey... no, no," she whispered, reachingout. "Don't say that. Don't ever think like that."She pulled Simi into her arms."I haven't fallenout of
love with you. I'm just... dealing with a lot. Official things. Heavy things. I didn't want toburden
you."She wiped the tears from Simi's cheeks."Please, don't ever say those words again," Maerasaid firmly. "I love you. I'm in love with you. Madly. Deeply."Simi clung to her like she was holdingontothe only air left in the world. Maera laid her gently back on the bed. "You rest. I'll bring you some water."She stepped intothekitchen, filled a glass, and discreetly added a light sleeping pill.Forgive me, Sim, she thought. But right now, you need rest more than answers.When she returned, Simi drank the water andlaid back down. A few minutes later, the pill took effect, and she fell into a deep, peaceful
sleep.Maera tucked the blanket around her, brushed a kiss to her forehead, then stepped out ontothe balcony.The night was cold, but inside Maera, a volcano raged.Fifteen cigarettes in, andnothing had calmed the storm inside her. She ran her hands roughly through her hair and staredat the sky.What the hell is wrong with me?And then her gaze drifted back inside—back tothesleeping girl with innocence painted across her face.Simi looked fragile. Like a porcelain doll.A delicate thing too precious for the chaos Maera carried.And despite thestorm inside her...Maera smiled.Sam and Zero had stepped out to a small café just a fewblocksaway from the hospital."Hey Sam," Zero said, glancing around, "you know there's this singer
who comes here regularly? Dude, her voice—genuinely amazing. She's got real talent.""Ohyeah?" Sam raised an eyebrow with interest. "What's her name?"Zero paused for a second, thinking. "Layall.""But she's not here today... strange," he added, looking around. "Wait, let mego ask the staff."He left Sam waiting at the table and headed off to the counter. Afewminuteslater, Zero came back looking like he'd seen a ghost.Sam burst into laughter. "Bro! What's withyour face?
Looks like someone slapped you with bad news."Zero slumped into the chair, disappointed. "Themanager said she hasn't shown up in the past three or four days. No notice, no calls. No oneknows if she's coming back. Maybe she quit."Sam leaned back, grinning. "Awww... poor fanboyheartbroken?""Shut up," Zero muttered. "You've got no taste in real music anyway."Suddenly, Zero's eyes lit up. "Wait! She has a YouTube channel—'Layall Life'! I totally forgot!""God, man, don't yell!" Sam winced. "I'm not deaf, you lunatic."Zero was already pulling out his phoneandfrantically typing."There! Found it. Look, check this out," he said, shoving the screen in Sam'sface.Sam watched a few seconds of the video, then blinked in surprise. "Whoa. You weren't
kidding... her voice is something else. I'm subscribing."His tone turned serious as he lookedoverat Zero, who now seemed lost in thought, eyes distant and troubled."What's up?" Samasked. "You suddenly went all quiet."Zero didn't speak for a few seconds."Sam... I think Sara's hidingsomething from us."Sam stared back, his expression hardening slightly."I don't think it's just
depression or trauma. It's deeper. Something... off. Something we don't know about."Samleanedforward now, nodding slowly. "Yeah. You might be right. She's not okay. Not really. Andshe'strying way too hard to pretend she is.""We should talk to the hospital," Zero said, his voice
steady. "Get her a proper therapist. She's not going to open up otherwise.""Agreed," Samreplied.
"Let's do that."Just then, Sam's phone rang. It was Alexa."Hey, Alexa. Everything okay?""Sam!
Come back, quickly! Sara's awake... and please, bring something for her to eat too.""Got it. We're coming," Sam said and hung up.He turned to Zero. "Alexa says Sara's conscious now. Weneed to bring food."Zero was already halfway up. "Then what are you waiting for? Let's
go!""Chill, man. Let me pay first," Sam said, grabbing him by the collar as he tried to bolt. "Youalways run like someone's chasing you. Sit your hyper ass down."Zero snickered and dashedahead anyway. Poor Sam was left at the counter handling the bill as usual."Zero, you freeloader. You alwayspull this stunt," Sam muttered under his breath, with a sarcastic smile. "Such a blessing youare, honestly."By the time they got back to the hospital, Alexa was helping Sara drink water. Her
hands were trembling slightly but her eyes were open—faint, but alive. Samand Zero's faces lit
up the moment they saw her.Without hesitation, Sam handed her the porridge he had
brought.Sara took it without protest, a soft smile playing on her lips. She didn't say anythingabout the taste—she just started eating.She hated porridge. Absolutely despised it.But not today.Today, she wasn't going to make her friends suffer for her
pain. Not anymore."Mmm..." she mumbled with a forced grin. "This is... actually good. HeySam, where did you even get this from? It's delicious."Sam and Zero chuckled, happy to see her
eat.But Alexa just smiled quietly.She knew the truth. She could see it in Sara's eyes.That wasn't asmile of someone enjoying food. It was the smile of someone pretending—just for the sake of
others.And that hurt more than anything. TO BE CONTINEUD.....