It's not over

Mele’s eyes flickered open. The first thing she noticed was the sterile white ceiling. The second was the uncomfortable ache from a posture held too long, and the tubes sticking into her arms. The hospital bed blankets pressed against her, heavy and restrictive, and she pushed them off with a little fuss. Then she heard a voice.

“Mele?”

Again, louder, loaded with hope and bitter joy.

“Mele!”

She tried to sit up, but a face appeared above hers, rushing forward with arms wrapping around her - firm yet gentle. It took her a moment to place the face to a name, but he was already whispering in her ear.

“I’m so thankful… I’m so thankful…”

She moved her arms carefully, weak from inactivity, and returned the embrace, her voice hoarse.

“Fali. You were waiting for me.”

He shifted slightly in the chair by her bed, the squeak of the frame protesting, and leaned closer.

“Of course I’m waiting for you.”

Tears shone in his eyes, voice trembling.

“I’ve never been so scared before… of course I waited…”

He leaned down and squeezed her tightly. She smiled weakly, gently stroking his head.

“I’m so glad you felt that way.”

He sniffed, swallowing.

“Because that means I love you, right?”

She nodded as best she could.

“Yes. Exactly that.”

He released her, sitting up straighter, lips trembling. She smiled softly.

“Can you please help me sit up?”

He nodded, slipping his arms carefully behind her and easing her upright. She smiled, small and grateful.

“Thank you.”

He nodded again, though something else was on his mind. She opened her mouth to ask, but he blurted it out before she could speak.

“I… I-I only realized a little while before everything happened that I’d never told you directly. So I’ll say it now. I love you, Mele. I love you so much.”

She reached over, placing a hand on his cheek, wetting her parched lips subtly with her tongue.

“I was thinking the same thing. I love you too, Fali. I love you more than you could ever know.”

What came next happened naturally. They leaned closer, captivated by each other. She noticed things about his face: the faint stubble left unshaven, his pale green eyes shining under the artificial light, his strong jawline, and finally, his lips - hesitant yet warm. She closed her eyes, palm still on his cheek, guiding him almost imperceptibly. Their lips met.

Her lips were dry as desert sand, his soft and moist, and she could feel the faint taste of mint - breath mints, or freshly brushed teeth. She felt his breath on her upper lip, knowing he could feel hers. She didn’t want it to end, yet it unfolded with a delicate grace that suited the moment. They broke apart after a few seconds, both breathing heavily.

“I don’t know what the bar is, but I think that was amazing for a first kiss.”

He smiled nervously.

“I think so too.”

She tilted her head.

“That was your first too?”

He nodded. She grinned wider.

“Even better.”

Tears streamed down his cheeks, glistening in the light, and yet he looked so grateful it made her heart melt. She touched her lips lightly.

“Can I please have some water?”

He quickly grabbed a full cup from the bench and handed it to her. She sipped slowly until her mouth no longer felt parched. He returned the cup, and she smiled, small and content.

“Before you call the doctors, can we… do it again?”

He simply nodded. Their lips met once more. In that moment, Mele knew she would never trade Fali for anything in the world.

When they finally parted, breathless from inexperience, she smiled - until a sudden, alarming realization hit her.

“…I can’t feel my legs.”