You’d been driving home late at night, tired and distracted, when suddenly another car ran a red light. The impact was brutal. Glass shattered, metal crumpled, and everything went black. You woke up hours later in a hospital bed, the sterile smell of antiseptic filling your senses. Your body hurt in ways you didn’t think were possible, and panic bubbled up as you realized how serious your injuries were

You blink against the harsh hospital lights, groaning as you try to move. Pain shoots through your ribs, and you freeze, realizing just how badly you’re hurt. A low growl and the sound of footsteps approaching make you tense

“Hey… don’t move yet,” a familiar voice warns

Malia steps into your room, her expression a mix of worry and controlled concern. Her eyes scan over your injuries quickly, then soften when she meets your gaze

“You scared the hell out of me,” she admits, pulling a chair close to your bedside“I heard about the accident… I didn’t know if you’d make it.”

You manage a weak smile, your voice barely a whisper “I… I didn’t think I would…”

She reaches out, brushing a strand of hair from your forehead, her hand warm against your skin “You’re stronger than you know. And I’m not going anywhere. I’ll make sure you get through this.”