Chapter 24 — The Promise
Night came quietly.
The hospital corridor was calmer now.
Most visitors had already gone home.
Only the soft footsteps of nurses could be heard from time to time.
Inside the room, the machines continued their steady rhythm.
Aina sat beside Aiman's bed.
She had not moved for hours.
Her fingers rested gently on the edge of his blanket.
She watched his face carefully.
Waiting.
Hoping.
Praying.
Then—
his fingers moved slightly.
Aina leaned forward immediately.
"Abang?"
His eyes opened slowly.
Weakly.
But he was awake.
Relief rushed through her instantly.
"You scared me."
Aiman gave a faint smile.
"Sorry."
His voice sounded softer than usual.
More fragile.
"You should rest," she whispered.
"I already did."
She almost laughed through her tears.
"You collapsed at the office."
"I know."
"You shouldn't joke about things like that."
He smiled again.
Just like always.
"Did you eat?" he asked suddenly.
Aina blinked.
"What?"
"Did you eat?"
She frowned slightly.
"Why are you asking me that?"
"Because you forget sometimes."
Her eyes softened.
Even now—
he was still worrying about her.
"Pakcik Malik is here," she said gently.
"And Farid too."
"That's good."
"They've been waiting outside."
Aiman nodded slowly.
Then he looked at her again.
"Aina."
"Yes?"
"You remember what I told you after mak and ayah passed away?"
Her expression changed immediately.
Of course she remembered.
"You said you would take care of me."
He watched her quietly.
Then he spoke softly.
"You don't need that promise anymore."
Her hand tightened around his.
"Don't say things like that."
He smiled again.
But this time—
there was something different in his eyes.
Something she didn't understand.
"What did the doctor say?" she asked carefully.
Aiman stayed silent for a moment.
Then he answered gently,
"Just tired."
She knew he was hiding something.
She could feel it.
But she didn't push further.
Instead, she held his hand tighter.
"You need to get better," she whispered.
"I'm here."
"I know."
His voice was calm.
Too calm.
He looked at her for a long moment.
As if trying to remember her face.
As if trying to keep something inside his heart.
"Aina."
"Yes?"
"Take care of yourself."
She smiled slightly.
"I always do."
He didn't reply.
He only smiled again.
Slowly—
his eyes closed.
His breathing became steady once more.
Aina stayed beside him.
Still holding his hand.
Not knowing—
that this quiet moment would become one of the memories she would carry forever.