Outside the hospital—
Erhaan's car came to a slow stop.
The engine turned off.
But he didn't move.
His hands remained on the steering wheel, fingers tightening slightly as his thoughts began to take over.
How am I supposed to go inside?
His jaw clenched.
I'm the one who made her life difficult...
A bitter thought crossed his mind.
She probably doesn't even want to see my face.
He leaned Bach in his seat, closing his eyes for brief moment.
Silence filled the car.
Heavy.
Unsettling.
After a few seconds—
He opened his eyes again.
But instead of stepping out—
He started the car.
And drove away.
Back inside the hospital—
Time passed slowly.
Too slowly.
Evening had settled in.
The lights in the hallway felt colder now.
Leera sat on the chair, her hands tightly clasped together, her eyes fixed on the ICU door.
Fear was written all over her face.
Doruk stood nearby, restless paciang slightly, while Yesir leaned against the wall, his expression tense.
Non of them spoke.
They didn't need to.
After what felt like hours—
The ICU door finally opened.
A doctor stepped out.
All three of them stood up immediately.
"Are you here for the patient?" The doctor asked.
"Yes, ma'am. We are," they replied almost at the same time.
The doctor gave a small nod.
"The operation went well. There's nothing to worry about right now."
A breath they didn't realize they were holding—
Finally released.
"But," she continued,"she hasn't regained consciousness yet. It may take some time."
Leera's eyes softened slightly, but the worry didn't leave.
"You can see her before we shift her to a normal room."
"Thank you, ma'am," they said together.
They slowly walked inside.
And there—
Nayza lay on the bed.
Unconscious.
Bandages wrapped around her hand... her head... her leg.
Her face looked Pale.
Too still.
For a moment—
Non of them could move.
Leera's eyes filled with tears as she took a step closer.
Doruk looked away for a second, his jaw tightening.
Yesir stood quietly, his expression heavy.
Seeing her like that—
Hurt.
Helpless.
It didn't feel real.
A few moments later, nurses entered the room.
"It's time to shift the patient," One of them said gently.
They stepped back as the nurses carefully moved Nayza onto another bed.
The machines, the tubes, everything moved along with her.
The three of them followed silently as she was taken to a patient room.
Night had already fallen.
The room was quite now.
Only the faint sound of machines filled the space.
Yesir looked at Leera and Doruk.
"How long are you two planning to stay here?"
Leera didn't hesitate.
"Until she wakes up... or at least till tomorrow."
Doruk nodded slightly.
"Yeah."
Yesir sighed softly.
"You both should go home and get some rest. You're exhausted."
Leera shook her head immediately.
"No... I'm fine."
Doruk spoke calmly.
"You two go. I'll stay here."
"Yesir frowned. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah," Doruk replied. "Don't worry. I'm not tired. I'll handle everything here."
He looked at them both, serious now.
"And if anything happens. I'll call you."
Yesir exchanged a glanced with Leera.
"If that's the case..." he said slowly, "Then fine."
He turned to Leera.
"You're really tired. I'll drop you home and then bring some necessary things for him."
Doruk gave a small nod.
"Okay."
Leera looked at Nayza again.
Her heart didn't want to leave.
"I want to stay..." she said softly.
Yesir stepped closer, his tone gentle.
"Leera try to understand. You can come back tomorrow. You've been under stress since morning."
Leera stayed silent for a moment.
Her eyes still on Nayza.
She didn't want to go.
Not like this.
But slowly—
She nodded.
Sometimes—
You have to leave...
Even when you don't want to.