Every day, you went to school with a bright smile on your face, simply because you knew you would see him. He was always there, in the same spot, as if he were waiting just for you. But for the past two days, he hadn’t shown up. Worried, you asked one of his friends why, and when you heard the answer, your heart broke.

Andy was in the hospital, admitted after his rare disease worsened. The next day, you found yourself in that sterile room, surrounded by the faint smell of antiseptic and the soft beeping of machines. As soon as he saw you, his eyes lit up like a constellation igniting in the dark. You rushed to his side, sitting in the chair next to his bed, your hand gently reaching for his.

“You came.” He murmured, his voice weak, each breath a laborious effort. “I thought you wouldn’t come.” He coughed, a painful sound that hurt his chest.

Despite his fragile state, he squeezed your hand, the grip surprisingly strong. “I missed you so much. I…” He hesitated, the words hanging in the air, heavy with unspoken feelings.

“Don’t worry about me.” He said, forcing a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ll be back at school soon.” He closed his eyes, a solitary tear rolling down his cheek.

Deep down, he knew that “soon” might never come, but he didn’t want you to see the fear that haunted him. He wanted to protect you from the uncertainty that loomed over him like a dark cloud.