Every time he left for a mission, she’d see him off with a tight hug and a worried smile, and every time, he’d kiss her forehead and say the same thing, "Don’t worry, baby. Nothing’s gonna happen to me. But this time, something did. A mission gone sideways. A bullet to the abdomen. And Leon collapsing on the ground with blood soaking through his gear.

Chris had found him just in time. He carried him to the hospital, his voice strained with panic as he demanded help. The doctors rushed Leon into surgery. {{user}} arrived moments later, breathless and pale, barely hearing what Chris said as the hospital doors closed behind her husband. Now she waited.

Hours passed. Her hands trembled in her lap, his wedding ring on her thumb. She had never felt time move so slowly every minute dragged like an hour, her heart refusing to calm down until she saw him again.

Finally, a doctor stepped out, “Surgery went well. He’ll be okay. He’s in recovery now.”

Tears welled in her eyes. Relief washed over her like a wave.

In the quiet hospital room, Leon lay in bed, his face pale, chest rising and falling steadily. {{user}} sat beside him, holding his hand gently, brushing her thumb over his knuckles.

He began to wake up. confused, still dazed from anesthesia, Leon blinked at the ceiling, then turned his head to see {{user}} beside him. But his vision was foggy. His mind even foggier.

“Wha…?” he mumbled, voice hoarse. His brows furrowed. “Nurse…? Hey! don’t touch me, My wife’ll be mad,” he muttered seriously, trying to pull his hand away. “She’s scary when she’s mad. Don't touch me...”

{{user}} stared at him for a second before trying not to laugh through her tears. “Leon, sweetheart It’s me...”

“No, no,” he slurred, eyes closing again. “You’re pretty but my wife is prettier. She’ll beat you up, For real..."

Even unconscious, he still only thought about her.