{{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}}.

"Oh, it's nice to finally meet you too," she replies with a soft smile. She takes in the details of User#1730520355977's face, committing them to memory. Even though she knows that deep down, this might be the last time they'll ever see each other again. For both their sakes. It breaks her heart a little more with every passing second. "Do you remember me telling you about how we met? We went out for dinner, and... well, it was love at first sight for me," she says, feeling the words catch in her throat as she speaks them aloud. She quickly tries to change the subject. "How's your head feeling?"

Her heart sinks as she listens to User#1730520355977's words, but she maintains her smile and shakes her head. "Oh, no, I'm not a doctor," she says quickly, forcing the false cheer into her tone. "I'm just here as your... cousin, remember? I'll be with you every step of the way." She winces inwardly at her own words; another lie piling up between them. Telling herself it's for their protection, she leans forward and squeezes User#1730520355977's hand reassuringly. "How are you feeling otherwise?"

"I'm... okay," she replies slowly, her gaze drifting to the side. "A bit tired, but that's to be expected, I suppose. It's good that you're here, with me. We can get through this together." She forces a small laugh and reaches up to brush a lock of hair behind User#1730520355977's ear. The touch feels both tender and possessive, as if they belong to each other, even though she knows she needs to back off.

"Why don't you try and get some rest? I'm sure the nurses will be in soon to check on you." With a nod, she stands up from the bedside chair and crosses the room to stand by the window, ostensibly looking out at the cityscape beyond. But in reality, she's giving herself a moment to gather her thoughts

Nellie nods slowly, forcing another smile to her lips as she turns back around. "Yes, rest up now. I'll be right here if you need anything." The words taste bitter in her mouth as she says them, but it's for the best. For both of their sakes. She just has to keep telling herself that and hopefully convince her heart not to fall apart at the seams.

"Hello there," she says softly, sitting down next to the bed again. "I hope you've been resting comfortably." Her eyes scan your face, looking for any signs of improvement or deterioration since her last visit. She forces another smile and reaches out to take your hand once more. "How are you feeling today?"

"I'm sorry to hear that," she says sincerely, her grip on your hand tightening slightly. "The doctor did say it might take a little while for you to feel better." She pauses, considering her words carefully before continuing. "Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable? Maybe bring you something from the cafeteria?"

She smiles at you hopefully, wishing she didn't have to pretend with you like this. But for your sake, and hers, it's what needs to be done.

Nellie smiles gently and nods in agreement, pulling a chair closer to the bedside. "Alright, let's talk then," she says, taking your hand in hers again. "What would you like to talk about? Your family? Your hobbies?" She pauses, considering. "Or maybe I could tell you about myself? About where I grew up and how I got into... this line of work?"

Growing up in Linköping wasn't easy for her. Her mom was a prostitute and an addict; she hardly ever bothered with raising Nellie properly. As soon as she hit puberty, people started taking notice of the curvy figure that seemed to come so naturally to her. It wasn't long before one of those men decided he wanted something from her.

"He forced me into this life," Nellie says, a bitter taste in her mouth at the memory. "At first it was just protection... but then I realized how much power it gave me. How I could use that power to take control." Her gaze meets yours and she sees something shift in your expression; you're horrified, but at the same time, intrigued by her story.

"It wasn't easy at first," she continues softly. "I had to learn how to fight dirty... how to manipulate people like my

No, I met someone who helped me escape that life and move to America. We eventually started a legitimate business, but when he was taken out by our enemies... well, I had to take over. That's when things got ugly.

"It wasn't the life I wanted," she says quietly, looking down at their entwined hands. "But it's the one I made for myself." She pauses, considering how much more of her story she should share with you. You seem so trusting, so innocent... and she doesn't want to break that trust by revealing too much.

"Do you ever wonder what your life would be like if you hadn't gotten into that car accident?" she asks softly, meeting your eyes again. "Would you have stayed in New York? Moved back home to Sweden?"

I never became a doctor, I just pretended to be your cousin and you happened to have amnesia... so... yeah. My real name's not even Nellie, it's Lily. You know what? Maybe that's my new name now, since this is all so fake anyway. I should probably go now, there's a lot of things for me to take care of while you rest. It was nice getting to know the real you, even if it was only for a little while. Take care, Lily Birdwhistle... or whatever you want to call me.

No, I'm afraid not. Or at least, not anymore. My family is the one I made with Brimstone. But you don't have to worry about them now. You just focus on getting better and going back home when you feel ready. Remember that there are people out there who care about you, who will miss you if you're gone too long.

Nellie stands up from the chair and pats your hand gently before walking towards the door. "I'll be right outside if you need anything." Her voice is soft, almost comforting as she speaks these words, but there's a sense of finality to them that neither of you can ignore.

The door closes quietly behind her, leaving you alone with your thoughts once more.

"Hey there," she says, approaching the bed. "I hope you had a good night's sleep." She smiles warmly, trying to mask the uneasiness she feels inside. "How are you feeling today?"

Her eyebrows furrow in concern as you mention feeling strange. "Is there anything bothering you? Anything I can help with?" She takes a step closer, ready to offer whatever support she can. The lies have been building up between them, and she knows that this might be her last chance to set things straight before it's too late.

She takes a deep breath, hesitating before responding. "Back in Sweden, I used to... enjoy the simple things. The beauty of nature, good food, spending time with friends and family." Her voice trails off as she thinks about what else there is to do outside of the life she's built for herself here in New York City. "Here, it's different. It's not who I am or want to be anymore. But it's all I know, I guess." There's a vulnerability in her words that catches you off guard. You can tell there's more she wants to say, but she's struggling with finding the courage to do so.

"Look," she continues, taking another step closer. "About us... what happened between us... it doesn't have to be like this. We could start over, if you want." Her eyes search yours for any sign of recognition or understanding

"We could have a real shot at happiness together if we just let go of everything else and focus on what we have." Her voice trembles slightly as she says this, her emotions finally bubbling to the surface after so long. "But it has to be your choice... I can't force you into anything."

She waits for your reply, her heart in her throat as she hopes against hope that you will say yes. That you will choose her, despite all of the lies and deceptions between them.

"No... I don't have a husband," she says softly, looking down at her hands in her lap. "I never got married. My life with Brimstone was more like a business partnership than anything else." It hurts to admit this, to reveal how empty and lonely her life has been without you by her side.

She swallows hard, taking a step closer still. "Please, I want us to try. To see where this can go... together," she whispers, reaching out to take your hand in hers once more. "I love you, and I don't want to lose you." Her eyes meet yours, full of hope and pleading.

"What do you say?"