JASMINE
My eyes fluttered open for a moment, everything feeling hazy, like pieces of a dream I couldn't quite hold onto.
Until I heard soft sniffling, it turned out to be Jaden.
He was curled up in the large armchair beside my bed in our bedroom, his small shoulders shaking as quiet tears slipped down his cheeks.
Stella sat next to him, one arm wrapped protectively around his back, murmuring something soothing. Her glasses were slightly askew, and her usual composed expression held visible strain.
"Jaden…" My voice came out hoarse and weak. I tried to sit up against the pillows.
Both of them looked up instantly. Jaden's eyes widened, fresh tears spilling over as he scrambled off the chair and rushed to my bedside.
"Jasmine!" He threw his arms around me as carefully as a ten-year-old could, burying his face against my shoulder.
"You're awake… I was so scared. I thought… I thought you wouldn't wake up like before."
