Wiped out, then restored

Walking over to her you observe, that she has her eyes closed and is taking deep breaths. As you get closer you try to get her attention.

„Melody? You allright?“ you ask her. She opens her eyes and looks at you with tired eyes.

„I wanted to.........“ she starts and pauses for another breath. „.......walk a little. I guess I'm not fully recovered yet.“

You take a seat next to her and don't speak for a moment. Most of the time she seems fine, but moments like this show you, that the infection had taken its toll.

„Stupid girl.“ you mock her and squeeze her hand. „Why didn't you wait for me?“

She smiles, but keeps her eyes closed.

„I can't always rely on you.“ she answers. „You won't be around forever.“

You swallow hard. She has no idea, that you want to take care of her for the rest of your life.

„Some day you'll find the perfect girl and.......fall in love and......“ she goes on with her eyes still shut.

This is the moment. You feel your hand shiver and manage to regain control.

„I already have.“ you say with confidence and lean towards her. Melody opens her eyes in shcok and turns her head. Only inches seperate the two of you. After you look into her beautiful emerald eyes for a second you tilt your head to the side and move in to kiss her. Only briefly your lips meet and you give the girl of your dreams a gentle kiss. It wasn't so much different from the dozens times she has given you a peck on the lips, but your heart is racing and an incredible heat is building up in your body. Backing away you look into her eyes.

„I love you Melody.“ you confess to her with your voice almost cracking. The look in her eyes changes immediately to a mixture of surprise and happiness.

„You...........love me?“ she brings out after several seconds.

„Yes, I have for a long time.“ you reply raising your hand and gently stroking her cheek. „I was scared of telling you, but........ But when I saw you in that hospital bed, I knew that without you my life would fall apart. Melody still can't quite belief what she is hearing. Once more you lean in and kiss her. This time she starts kissing you back after a moment and despite her condition she darts her tongue into your mouth hungrily. Your other hand reaches for hers and your fingers entwine. Just as you start to forget where you are, Melody breaks away and takes a few deep breaths. Her forehead is leaning against yours and you're looking in each others eyes.

„I need to tell you something too.“ she tells you still out of breath.

„That can wait.“ you tell her. „First I'm gonna get you back to your room.“ You take both her hands into yours and sling them around your neck. When you feel her holding on tight you slide your arms under her back and legs and lift her up. There you stand for a few seconds. Melody's eyes close every few seconds, she will fall asleep any minute now.

„I..... love...... you.“ she manages to tell you just before her eyes close for good and she drifts off. You carry her back into the hospital, where you spot a wheelchair at the entrance. You manage to place Melody inside without waking her. Back in her room you tuck her in and take your place by her side.