Mom and Mrs. Wills both rushed into the ward, their faces pale with worry. Fred lay on the bed beside Zikora, his eyes wide as he took in the scene.
"Mom!" a voice cracked.
"My child!"
"Brother!" I shouted, running to him, hugging him tightly as tears burned my eyes.
Mrs. Wills knelt beside Zikora, her hands trembling as she gently shook her daughter. Zikora's injuries were bad—her face pale, lips cracked, blood still drying on her cheeks.
"Zizi… speak to me, my child," Mrs. Wills pleaded, her voice breaking.
Fred's voice shook as he explained, tears streaming down his face.
"Mom… I tried to save her… but Ann… she… she hurt her. I… I couldn't…"
Mrs. Wills pulled him close, her own tears soaking his shirt.
"It's not your fault, boy. You did all you could. She's still here… she's still fighting. Don't blame yourself."
---
Fred's POV:
We promised each other we'd never leave each other… and yet, seeing her like this almost broke me.
I slowly slid out of bed, moving to Zikora's side. My hands shook as I brushed the hair off her face and stroked her cheek.
"Lollipop… please wake up… you're still here… you have to stay… Zikora, please… I can't lose you…" My voice cracked as tears rolled down my cheeks.
I rested my forehead lightly on hers, whispering, "Don't leave me… please… not like this…"
Sleep took me briefly, and I awoke to a faint, warm pressure on my arm.
"Zizi… lollipop! Oh my God… you're awake!" I shouted, brushing her hair back and holding her hand, relief flooding through me.
"Freddy… where… where am I?" Her voice was weak, but the tears rolling down her cheeks betrayed her fear.
"You're safe… you're alive," I said, holding her gently.
Mom, Zara, and Mrs. Wills rushed into the room, their faces a mix of relief and tears.
"Fred! Zizi! My children!" Mrs. Wills cried, enveloping Zikora in a bone-crushing hug.
"Ouch… Mom! Careful!" Zikora whispered, wincing slightly, but managing a weak smile.
I moved closer, taking her hand in mine. Her eyes met mine, soft and weary, yet alive. No words were needed—we just held each other, letting the relief and love speak.
---
The doctor entered quietly, his expression serious but calm.
"She's stable," he said. "By tomorrow, she should be ready to go home. It's a miracle she made it through."
I exhaled, letting the tension drain from my shoulders. Zikora was safe. That was all that mattered.
She shifted slightly, a faint smile forming. I brushed a strand of hair from her face and whispered, "You scared me, lollipop… don't ever do that again."
"I… I'm here, Freddy," she murmured, her voice still weak but steadying.
We held onto each other, knowing that no matter what had happened, we'd face it together.