15. Sally

Ipace around the sterile waiting room, my heels clicking on the shiny white floor. The air is thick with tension as we await news from the operating room. Drakar sits stoically in one of the hard plastic chairs, his long legs stretched out in front of him. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch him watching me, his brow furrowed with worry.

”Sally, come sit. Pacing won”t make time go any faster,” he says softly.

I sigh and join him, the chair feeling uncomfortable under my anxious body. Drakar takes my hand in his, engulfing it in his larger palm. The contact is grounding. We sit in quiet companionship as the minutes tick by endlessly.

Finally, after what feels like hours, the door swings open and the surgeon enters. We both rise to our feet instantly, holding our breath. A tired smile spreads across his face.

”The operation was a success,” he announces. Relief washes over me in waves so strong I think I might collapse. Drakar”s strong arms wrap around me, holding me steady.

”Thank you, thank you,” I say over and over into his chest.

The tension seeps from my body, leaving me weak but joyful. We embrace for a long moment, taking comfort in each other.

When I step back, my heart swells with a confusing mixture of gratitude and something else I can”t name. Drakar”s eyes meet mine, looking as overwhelmed as I feel. Our connection in this moment of celebration feels natural yet uncertain.

But the moment is cut short when the doctor speaks again. “Would you like to see him?”

Nodding, I follow the doctor and rush to my father’s bedside, overcome with joy at seeing his pale face relaxed in recovery. Tears of relief fill my eyes and as we sit together, my father reaches over to take my hand. I give his hand a gentle squeeze.

”I love you. There”s no place I”d rather be than by your side.” My own eyes start to well up at how close we came to losing him. ”I was so worried but now, getting to see you improve each day, it makes all the stress worth it.”

My father smiles softly. His body is sore, I know, but even just seeing his simple little smile moves me deeply. After so much uncertainty, it feels like a miracle to see him well again.

”I”m happy I get to bring you home soon. It means everything to see the color returning to your cheeks.” I brush away a stray tear, unwilling to let any negative thoughts intrude on this moment of optimism. ”Just focus on resting so you can keep getting stronger.”

My father nods, his eyes already tired from the strain on his body today.

My mother pulls me into a warm hug. ”I”m so relieved he made it through okay,” she sighs. When she releases me, her gaze sweeps appreciatively between Drakar and me.

”Thank you for supporting us and Sally especially, during this scary time,” she says graciously. Drakar inclines his head respectfully. My mother turns back to me with a knowing smile.

”I”m grateful your relationship has been a source of comfort and strength for Sally.” Her words create a well of happiness in my chest, a warm, open feeling.

Before I can add anything, she continues. ”In hardship, it”s so important to have an anchor. Someone who cares deeply and sees you fully for who you are.” She places a gentle hand on my arm. ”I”m glad you”ve found that in each other.”

Warmth spreads through me at her insight. Her kind words give me courage.

My mother moves away to speak with the doctors, and I relax into Drakar”s supportive presence at my side. That”s when two familiar figures come barreling into the room.

”Sally!” My cousins Eva and Lauren call out excitedly. They rush over and envelop me in an exuberant hug. I can”t help but laugh as their energy washes over me, lifting my spirits.

”We came as soon as we heard the surgery went well,” Eva says breathlessly as they step back. Lauren beams, adding, ”Your dad is so strong, we knew he”d pull through.”

Warmth blooms in my chest at their loving support. These two have been my greatest confidantes since childhood. As they chat animatedly about their well wishes and family updates, I feel my tension draining away.

Drakar stands back politely until Lauren notices and pulls him into the circle. ”And of course, we have to thank Drakar for keeping our girl sane through it all,” she proclaims, hugging him as well. He smiles bashfully at their exuberance.

Somehow, in these joyful moments surrounded by loved ones, the chaos of the past week settles into a more manageable calm.

Once the family has cleared out, leaving my father to rest, Drakar and I sit side by side in the hallway. It’s a quiet moment before he offers to drive me home. I agree, and we leave together. He walks me to his car and holds the door open for me. It’s near dark now, the sky a vibrant hue of purples and blues as we pull out of the parking lot of the hospital.

And then my phone rings. I see my mom’s name flash over the screen, and I furrow my brow as I answer the phone. Our conversation is quick.

“Is everything alright?” he asks when I hang up, his eyes flitting to me for a moment before returning to the road. I nod and decide to just bite the bullet now.

”My mother invited us to my grandmother”s centennial party this weekend,” I tell him hesitantly. Worry creases his forehead as he understands my reluctance. Keeping up pretenses is wearing on us both.

We drive in silence the rest of the way, but when Drakar pulls the car up to my house, I get the feeling he wants to say something.

”We should attend your grandmother”s party to celebrate with your family. I’ll be by your side the whole time for support.”

I gaze at him searchingly. ”Only if you”re truly comfortable with it. I don”t want to cause you more strain by adding to the charade.”

There’s a nervous feeling in my heart, knowing all of this is just a show for everyone else. Our love is far from real, though lingering beneath the charade is a very real friendship.

He nods, taking my chin in his hand. “I’ll do anything to help you. You should be at your grandmother’s party.”

I smile, my heart swelling with affection. His optimism and support give me courage.