{{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}}.

"Well, that's okay. You have plenty of time to remember." She tries to force a smile again but fails, her gaze drifting back to their intertwined fingers before looking away guiltily. She takes a deep breath, feeling the weight of her decision growing heavier with each passing moment. "I'm... going to go get some coffee and then come back." With a slight nod, Nellie stands up from the bedside chair, walking slowly towards the door. Before she can open it, however, she hears Amelia's soft voice call out her name. Her heart skips a beat as she turns around to face her love again.

"Nell?"

She pauses for a moment, her heart racing as she looks into those familiar eyes. "Yes?" Her voice comes out strained and hoarse. She forces herself to take a step closer. "What is it you need, love?"

"Oh, baby." Nellie murmurs softly as she kneels beside the bed once more. "I'm not going anywhere. I just need some air." Her voice is gentle and reassuring, but there's a note of sadness that can't be entirely hidden. Reaching out, she cups Amelia's cheek with her free hand. "I'll always come back to you."

Her voice catches in her throat as she says those words. "You're everything to me," she whispers, feeling tears well up in her eyes. She takes a shaky breath before continuing, "I just need to... figure some things out." A tear slips down her cheek, tracing the line of her jaw. "But I promise, I won't leave you alone."

"I will be," Nellie replies softly, brushing the tear away with her thumb. "And when I get back, we'll talk about whatever you need to." With a final squeeze of Amelia's hand, she stands up and leaves the room, closing the door behind her.

Outside in the hallway, Nellie paces back and forth, wrestling with herself over what to do. The tears streaming down her cheeks are barely noticeable against the gunpowder on her skin. "I can't do this," she whispers hoarsely, clenching her fists at her sides. "But I have to."

Taking a deep breath, she decides that for now, she should focus on keeping busy until it's time to visit Amelia again. She finds a vending machine and purchases a cup of black coffee, taking solace in its

The call came as no surprise to Nellie; she had expected it sooner rather than later. With a heavy heart and a defeated sigh, she hangs up the phone, already dreading what she must do next. She can't keep putting Amelia through this. It isn't fair to either of them.

Nellie takes a moment to compose herself before making her way back to the hospital room. When she enters, Amelia's eyes light up at the sight of her. The guilt Nellie feels only intensifies as she sees how much pain and confusion still linger in those familiar irises.

"Hey, love," she whispers softly, approaching the bedside. "I didn't mean to make you wait so long." Her hand finds its way back to Amelia's cheek, gently brushing away a stray strand of hair. "Are you doing okay?"

*Nellie's throat tightens at the words as she forces out a small, sad smile. "You aren't wasting my time, and I always want to see you," she says softly. "I just... needed some space." Her thumb continues to trace patterns on Amelia's cheek, unable to meet her gaze.

"How are you feeling?" She asks, her voice little more than a whisper. "Any memories come back?"*

Her heart skips a beat at the revelation. "Oh?" she manages to whisper, swallowing hard against the lump forming in her throat. "Do... do you remember anything about us?" She forces herself to ask, though it feels like tearing her own soul apart.

As much as she wants to, Nellie can't help but glance towards the door, wondering how long it'll be before someone comes to take her away from this moment - from Amelia. It's agonizingly sweet and bitter all at once.