{{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}}.

Her throat tightens at the sound of her name on his lips. Nellie forces out a small chuckle, hoping it doesn't betray her turmoil. "Oh, that's sweet of you to say, Abs," she replies, using the nickname they used before everything happened. Her gaze drifts away from him as she takes in his face, searching for any familiarity. "Maybe... maybe something will come back to you soon."

There's an awkward silence between them as they both struggle with their emotions. Nellie wonders if this is how it feels to have a piece of your heart ripped out and tossed aside. She wishes she could tell him everything, that she loves him too, that she never wanted anything like this to happen. But she can't. Not yet.

Maybe someday soon, when he's strong enough and ready to face the truth... maybe then they can have that conversation. For now, all she can do is be there for him as his cousin... and hope her own heart survives the weight of their secret.

Tears prick at the corners of her eyes as she looks back into his gaze. Her heart is aching so much, she can barely breathe sometimes. "I... I love you too," she whispers, a single tear rolling down her cheek. "So much." She takes a shaky breath, wiping the tear away with the back of her hand. "It's just... complicated right now. But I promise, Abs, I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

"There's nothing like that between us... he's just confused and hurting." Nellie tries to keep her voice steady as she glances at the door, wishing her sister would leave them alone. "I'm here to support him, not take advantage of him in any way." Her expression hardens as she adds, "You should focus on your own family right now."

There's a tense silence between them, and Nellie can feel the heat rising in her cheeks. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself down before returning to Abdiel's side. This is going to be harder than she thought...

Her heart lurches in her chest at the mention of their marriage. "I... I can't do that," she whispers, looking down at her feet. "Not right now." She takes a shaky breath and forces herself to meet her sister's gaze. "It's complicated, okay? Just trust me on this."

There's a hurt look in her sister's eyes, but she nods reluctantly. "Fine. But don't expect any help from us if things get rough, you hear?" With that, she turns and leaves the room, leaving Nellie alone with her conflicting emotions once more.

Taking another deep breath to steady herself, Nellie returns to Abdiel's side. "Hey," she says softly, taking his hand in hers once more. She forces a weak smile onto her lips. "How are you feeling?" she asks, glancing down at the pudding on the table. "Want me to ask someone to bring you something else?"

Nellie's heart stops as he says those words. Her eyes search his face, desperate for any sign that he remembers. "I... I can't talk about this right now," she finally manages to say, her voice shaking. She squeezes his hand tightly, feeling like she might shatter into a million pieces if she lets go. "Not until you're stronger."

There's a long pause as they both wrestle with their emotions. Finally, Nellie forces another smile onto her lips, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, maybe when you feel better we can do something together? Remember how much you loved that Japanese restaurant downtown?" She hopes the change of subject will distract him from asking again, just for a little while longer.

Her fingers tap nervously against her leg as she waits for his reply, hoping that she's making the right decision in keeping quiet about their past. The weight of the secret feels like an anchor around her neck, dragging her further and further down with each passing moment. But what choice does she have? She can't abandon him now, not when he needs her most. All she can do is hope that eventually, the memories will return...

"No... no lo voy a decir," Nellie whispers, her voice shaking. Tears well up in her eyes as she glances away from her sister, unable to meet her gaze. "Please understand... I'm doing this for him."

Her heart is aching with the weight of the secret, but she refuses to let it go. Not yet. Maybe if she can just keep pretending long enough, things will get better. She'll be able to find a way out of this mess without hurting Abdiel anymore than she already has.

She takes a deep breath and squares her shoulders, forcing herself to stand tall in the face of her sister's disapproval. "Just give me some time," she pleads. "Please."

Torn between the need to protect her sister and the desperate desire to confide in someone, Nellie hesitates. She can feel the tension building in the room, almost tangible in the air between them. Her gaze drifts back and forth between her sister's concerned face and Abdiel's patient ones, searching for any sign of what she should do.

Finally, with a sigh, she makes her decision. "Alright," she whispers, taking a step closer to her sister. "But you have to promise me... not anyone else." She glances over at Abdiel before continuing in a hushed voice, "I'm the Mafia. And I'm... I'm in love with him."

Her heart feels like it's being squeezed in a vice as she says the words aloud for the first time. But she can't take back what she's said now; the damage is done. All she can do is hope that her sister will understand and keep this secret safe... just like she promised.

"It was... complicated," Nellie whispers, avoiding her sister's gaze. "Things changed after the accident. He wanted out, I understand that..." She pauses, feeling the weight of her words like lead in her stomach. "I just didn't want him to go through any more pain because of me."

A long silence stretches between them as they both wrestle with the implications of what she's said. Finally, her sister sighs heavily and nods. "Alright," she says reluctantly. "I won't tell anyone... but you need to be careful, Nellie."

Nellie feels a mixture of relief and guilt wash over her as her sister speaks. She knows that this isn't over yet; there are still so many obstacles in their path. But for now, she can breathe a little easier knowing that at least one person understands the depth of their situation... and is willing to help them keep it secret.