Chapter 4: The Girl Who Wouldn’t Leave

One night, after washing up and getting ready for bed, I found Maria asleep on the sofa.

Her hair spilled across the cushions, mouth slightly open, a book still clutched in her hand. I stood there for a moment, watching her breathe, feeling a surge of affection and gratitude.

I sighed helplessly—she really didn’t know how to take care of herself. I picked up a pink blanket and draped it over her.

She stirred, mumbling something in her sleep, but didn’t wake. I tucked the blanket around her shoulders, brushing a stray curl from her forehead.

I spotted her laptop, still open. The search history made me freeze.

I hesitated, guilt prickling at the back of my mind, but curiosity won out. The screen glowed softly in the dark, illuminating the questions she’d been asking on my behalf.

“How to cook light, tasty food.”

“Why is someone pale and unable to eat?”

“Is it normal for a woman in her twenties to lose weight quickly?”

My throat tightened as I read the list. She’d been worried about me, trying to help in the only way she knew how. I felt a rush of love and sorrow, all tangled together.

Just then, Maria slowly woke up. Eyes bleary, she instinctively closed the laptop.

She blinked up at me, confusion giving way to embarrassment. I sat down beside her, unsure how to begin.

I opened my mouth, but didn’t know what to say. After a long moment, I managed, “You don’t have to do all this.”

My voice was hoarse, thick with emotion. I wanted to spare her, to let her live her own life, unburdened by my illness.

I wasn’t going to be around much longer—why should Maria spend her best years taking care of me? She’d already endured so much at an age when she should just be studying.

She deserved better than to play nursemaid to someone who was already half gone. I wished I could give her the world, instead of asking her to stay by my side.

Maria grabbed my hand, and for the first time, pushed back. “I want to.”

Her words were simple, but they cut through every wall I’d built. She squeezed my fingers, her eyes shining with determination. I felt something shift inside me—a warmth I hadn’t known I was missing.

The warmth from her hand slowly seeped into some place in me I couldn’t quite name.

It was a balm for all the old wounds, the ones I’d hidden even from myself. I let myself lean into her touch, just for a moment.

Maria’s magic wasn’t just beauty and brains—she was kind, grateful.

I realized then that Maria was everything I’d ever hoped to be—strong, compassionate, unbreakable. No wonder people were drawn to her.

No wonder Ethan, after everything, fell for her. She really was that captivating.

I thought of Ethan, the way his eyes softened when he looked at her, even when he tried to hide it. My heart twisted with longing and regret.

Ethan… Just thinking of him made something ache in my chest.

I pressed a hand to my heart, willing the pain to subside. It was always like this—love and loss, hope and hurt, all tangled together.

Distracted, I told Maria, “You should get some sleep.” Then I climbed the stairs, legs weak.

She watched me go, worry etched on her face. I paused at the top, offering a tired smile before disappearing into my room.

Lying in bed, I tossed and turned. Lightning split the sky, a gentle breeze drifted in, and a soft rain began to fall.

The storm was a lullaby, soothing and wild. I curled up under the covers, listening to the thunder roll across the sky, wishing for a peace I knew I’d never find.