The monitor beside Cairo's bed let out a soft, steady rhythm.
Beep.
Beep.
Beep.
Each sound felt fragile, like something barely holding together.
I didn't realize how tightly I was holding his hand until my fingers began to ache. Still, I didn't loosen my grip. I couldn't.
Across from me, Rome hadn't moved much. He sat leaning slightly forward, his elbows resting on his knees, his hands loosely clasped together. But his eyes, they never left Cairo.
Not even for a second.
It was as if he believed that the moment he looked away, even for just a heartbeat, something terrible would happen.
The room was quiet.
I swallowed, my throat still dry despite everything that had happened.
"You should rest.." I said softly, not looking at him.
The words felt unfamiliar coming from me.
Rome let out a quiet breath, something close to a humorless laugh.
"I don't think I can."
There was no hesitation in his answer.
I glanced at him.
