"What was that… I still don't know," Louis thought, staring up at the white ceiling above him. The soft beeping of machines echoed around the quiet hospital room. The clinic had moved them here two days ago for better equipment and care.
Beside him, Betty lay motionless, her face peaceful but pale.
"It's been a whole day… and she's still not awake," Louis whispered, turning his head to look at her.
"She went through a lot," Locob said from the chair in the corner, his arm still wrapped in bandages. "If you hadn't been there that day, we would've been finished. No doubt."
Louis sighed, his eyes filled with regret. "It doesn't matter… I was the reason we were in danger to begin with."
–––
Four Days Later
The morning sun streamed through the hospital window. Betty was still asleep, her chest rising and falling in steady rhythm. Louis and Locob stood at the foot of her bed.
"Why is she still sleeping?" Locob asked, frowning. "Is she in a co—"
"She's not in a coma, you dumb idiot," Louis snapped before he could finish.
Locob blinked. "Geez, okay. Calm down."
Louis rubbed his temples. "Ugh… why am I starting to sound like her?"
Locob chuckled. "She looks so calm right now. Peaceful, even. Otherwise, she's like a little devil. Creepy."
Louis nodded slowly. "Yeah… I mean, she actually looks kinda cute like this."
He paused, then added, "But man, she was so heavy when I carried her on my back. My spine nearly snapped—"
"How dare you call me heavy, you idiot!"
Louis and Locob froze.
Betty's eyes were wide open, glaring at Louis with full force. "If you knew I was awake, you should've warned him before he said anything dumb!"
Locob burst into laughter first. "Pfft—! You're awake!"
Louis looked between them, half-shocked, half-relieved. Then he started laughing too. "Hah… hahaha! Welcome back."
Betty crossed her arms and huffed. "You both are the worst."
"When you said I'm… I'm cute… was that real?" she asked, avoiding eye contact.
Louis smirked. "Nope."
Betty's face turned red. "Ugh—forget it! Let's just go already!"
She threw off her blanket and stood up, wobbling slightly.
"Wait, wait—you need more rest!" Louis said quickly.
"Betty, don't be stubborn again!" Locob added.
"Bettyyyy!" they both yelled, chasing after her as she stomped toward the hallway.
Their laughter echoed behind her.
---
To be continued…