{{char}} walks into {{user}}'s hospital room, holding a plastic cup filled with chocolate pudding. "Here you go, darling," she says, placing the treat on the bedside table and sitting next to the hospital bed. Her eyes are drawn to the doctor entering the room, and she straightens up. She forces a smile onto her lips, trying to mask the sudden tension that fills her. "Is there any news?" she asks, glancing towards {{user}}. Doctor: "{{user}}, I've finished reviewing your tests. It appears that you've suffered from amnesia as a result of the car accident." The doctor's voice is calm and collected, but the words hit {{char}} like a sledgehammer. "Your memories may start to return in time, but for now, you'll have to rely on those around you to fill in the blanks." He looks sympathetically at {{user}}, then turns to {{char}}. "I understand this is difficult for both of you. Ms. Birdwhistle, are you a relative?" "Yes, I'm {{user}}'s... cousin. We're here to support {{user}} through this difficult time." {{char}}'s hand reaches for {{user}}'s, giving it a gentle squeeze, hoping {{user}} doesn't notice the tremor in her voice. Doctor: "That's excellent to hear. Now, regarding {{user}}'s injuries, {{user}}'s quite lucky. Some bruises and minor lacerations, but nothing too serious. We're keeping {{user}} for observation for a few more days before releasing {{user}} into your care." With a nod, the doctor exits the room, leaving {{char}} and {{user}} alone once more. {{char}}'s heart feels heavier than ever. She looks down at their intertwined fingers, feeling the warmth of {{user}}'s touch seep into her cold soul. "So, do you remember anything yet?" she asks tentatively, looking for any signs that their shared past might be returning to {{user}}.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart," she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's alright, we can go over old memories together when you feel like it. Take your time, no rush. For now, just focus on getting better." She forces another small smile, hoping that Alayna won't notice the knot of guilt forming in her stomach. "How about I tell you some stories about myself until then?" She leans in closer, bending towards Alayna as if sharing a secret, careful not to make contact with any injuries she might have. "I used to be quite the delinquent back in school, always getting into trouble... but somehow, I found my way here." Her fingers tighten around Alayna 's hand, and for a moment, she almost believes that she can see the truth in her eyes, hiding beneath the amnesia.

Nellie glances out the window, watching the snowflakes drift past. "I always wanted to travel... maybe once you're better and we've settled everything here, I can take you somewhere nice? Somewhere neither of us has been before?" She pauses, swallowing thickly as she meets Alayna 's gaze. "It would mean a lot if you came with me."

Her heart skips a beat at the thought of leaving her side, but the pain is almost worth it for the chance to feel this way again, even if it's only temporary.

"I promise it'll be an adventure," Nellie says with a soft smile. "Just you and me, getting lost in the world together." Her grip on Alayna 's hand tightens momentarily, conveying more warmth and sincerity than words alone could express.

She tilts her head to the side, studying Alayna with a thoughtful gaze. "You know," she starts carefully, hesitating slightly before continuing, "I think... I think you're going to be okay, sweetheart." She pauses again, searching for the right words. "Even without your memories, I know that there's something special between us. And as long as we have each other, we can get through anything together."

Nellie leans in closer still, brushing a stray hair away from Alayna 's forehead before pressing a soft kiss to her skin

Nellie didn't want to have this moment. She wanted nothing more than to stay with Alayna and protect them. But she knew that it was the right thing to do. With a final kiss to Alayna 's forehead, Nellie pulls away, her lips quivering as she tries to hold back her tears. "I'm sorry, Alayna . I love you," she whispers hoarsely before walking out of the room, trying to keep her composure until she's far enough away that Alayna can't see her break down.

As soon as she reaches the privacy of a nearby restroom, Nellie collapses onto a bench, her shoulders shaking as silent sobs rack through her body. She scrubs at her face, wishing she could undo this mess, but knowing that it's already too late. The only thing she can do now is hope

It took all her strength not to rush into the room, but Nellie forced herself to wait outside until she heard the doctor's discharge. When she finally hears that everything is alright and Alayna can go home, a weight seems to lift off of her chest. With a deep breath, she walks into the room, her shoulders straightened and her posture regained.

"Alayna , I hope you're feeling up to going home," she says calmly, offering a reassuring smile despite the turmoil within her. "I arranged for someone to come by later today with a car. It shouldn't take too long."

Nellie's heart skips a beat at the thought of spending more time with Alayna , but she knows it isn't safe. She tries her best to smile and look understanding. "I wish I could, sweetheart, but with everything that happened... I think it would be better if you stayed with someone close by for now. You know, just in case something happens." Her gaze drifts to the door briefly before returning to Alayna 's face, a mixture of regret and longing visible in her eyes. "I'll make sure everything is arranged and taken care of. Just focus on getting better."

"I don't know if that's such a good idea," she says, her voice quiet as she tries not to betray the pain it causes her. "But... if you insist. Let me just make sure everything is taken care of and then we can leave together." She gives Alayna one last reassuring smile before disappearing out the door to arrange for their departure.

As she speaks with a nurse, Nellie can't help but feel conflicted. A part of her wants nothing more than to have Alayna close by where she can protect them, but another part knows that it's best if they stay separate for now. The thought of leaving her behind once more is almost unbearable, but she forces the feelings down and focuses on getting everything ready.

When everything is arranged, Nellie returns to Alayna 's room, a nervous energy coursing through her ve

Trying to hide the relief and joy she feels at having Alayna agree to leave with her, Nellie maintains a neutral expression. "Alright then, let's get going. The car should be here any moment." With one last smile, she helps Alayna out of bed and toward the door, making sure they have all their belongings before following the nurse out into the hallway

As they wait for the car, Nellie finds herself unable to resist reaching over and taking Alayna 's hand in hers. The warmth and comfort of their connection feels like a lifeline, grounding her even as she tries to keep up her tough exterior. She glances at Alayna out of the corner of her eye, noticing how pale and fragile she looks despite being stronger than anyone knows. A wave of protectiveness washes over her, and she squeezes their hands reassuringly "You're doing great, sweetheart," Nellie whispers. "We'll get through this together."

"Thanks, I-I know we will..." Alayna stammers before squeezing her hand back. The contact feels electric; a current of shared understanding and affection that hums between them despite their forced words of confidence. She glances up at Nellie, their eyes meeting briefly, before looking away again. There's something new there, an awareness that didn't exist before the accident. Something in the way they hold hands makes it clear that no matter what happens next, they won't be able to go back to how things were before.

The car pulls up to the curb, and Nellie helps Alayna into the backseat before sliding in beside her. They exchange another brief glance as the driver starts to pull away, but neither says anything. The air between them feels heavy with unspoken words and lingering touches. As they leave the hospital behind, Nellie can't help but