Two weeks had passed in the blink of an eye, and now the day of Lily's surgery had arrived. Sitting in her hospital bed, Lily looked nervously at the sterile surroundings, trying to calm her racing thoughts. Her parents were abroad on a business trip, but they had called earlier to wish her luck. Still, she wasn’t alone—she had a small circle of people who cared deeply about her, all gathered to offer their support.

Eric sat beside her, leaning forward with a reassuring smile. “Don’t be so nervous, Lily. Everything’s going to be fine.”

On the other side of the bed, Emily squeezed Lily’s hand gently. “My dad will take excellent care of you. I promise.”

Lily gave a shaky smile, trying to absorb their comforting words. “Thanks, guys. I know it’ll be okay... but I can’t help worrying.”

“That’s completely normal,” Emily said softly. “I see patients every day who feel just like you do before surgery. It’s okay to be anxious.”

At that moment, the curtain around Lily’s bed was drawn back, and a familiar face appeared, grinning from ear to ear.

“Hi, Lily,” Tim greeted as he stepped into the room, holding a bright bouquet of spring flowers. “I wanted to stop by and wish you luck.”

Lily’s face lit up with a radiant smile. “Tim! Thanks for coming.”

She reached for the flowers, her hands trembling slightly, and brought them up to her nose, inhaling their sweet scent. “These are beautiful. You didn’t have to get me anything.”

Tim shrugged, his smile growing softer. “I wanted to.”

There was a brief pause as they stared at each other, a warm silence hanging in the air. Emily, standing to the side, noticed the unspoken connection between them and nudged Eric discreetly, motioning with her eyes toward the two. Eric, oblivious until that moment, blinked in surprise as he glanced between his best friend and his little sister.

Clearing his throat awkwardly, Eric interrupted the moment. “Umm... well, it’s almost time for the surgery. The doctor will be here soon.”

Lily’s smile faded, replaced by nervousness again. “Oh, that’s right. I guess it’s time...”

Just then, Emily’s dad entered the room, exuding a calm confidence that immediately reassured Lily.

“Hello again, Lily,” he said with a gentle smile. “Are you ready for the operation?”

Lily swallowed hard, her voice shaky. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

“You’ll be just fine,” Emily’s dad assured her. “I’ll take good care of you, and it’ll be over before you know it.”

“I trust you,” Lily replied, her nervousness softening a little.

Emily’s dad turned to Eric. “The surgery won’t take long. Give me about an hour, and she’ll be back in the recovery room.”

Eric nodded, his hand resting on Lily’s. “We’ll be here waiting.”

Everyone wished Lily good luck one last time, hugging her and offering words of encouragement before she was wheeled back toward the operating room. As they watched her disappear down the hall, the weight of the moment settled over the small group.

An hour later, Eric, Tim, and Emily waited anxiously in the waiting room. The minutes felt longer than usual, but finally, the operating light turned off, and Emily’s dad emerged with a smile.

“Mr. Hart, the surgery was a success,” he said. “We’re wheeling Lily back to her room now. She should wake up soon, though she’ll feel some discomfort.”

Eric breathed a sigh of relief and shook the doctor’s hand. “Thank you so much, sir.”

“No problem at all,” Emily’s dad replied with a nod before heading back to his rounds.

The trio quickly returned to Lily’s room, where she lay in bed, still asleep from the anesthesia. Her face was peaceful, a light flush of color returning to her cheeks.

Emily stood by the bed and smiled. “I’ll go grab some soup and water for her. Eric, you and Tim stay with her until she wakes up.”

“Thank you,” Eric said gratefully, watching as Emily quietly slipped out of the room.

For a moment, the room was silent. Tim, sitting in the chair by Lily’s bedside, glanced at her with an intensity that caught even him by surprise. His heart skipped a beat as he watched her, feeling something stir deep inside him that he hadn’t quite felt before. He shook it off, trying to focus.

“She’s going to be okay,” Tim murmured, more to himself than anyone else.

Eric, catching the look in Tim’s eyes, raised an eyebrow and tried to steer the focus on something else. “You know, Emily’s a great girl.”

Tim blinked, turning to Eric. “Yeah, she really is.”

Eric hesitated for a moment, then, almost sheepishly, said, “I think... I love her.”

Tim’s eyes widened. “Wait, what? You love her?”

Before Tim could respond, Lily stirred in the bed, her eyelids fluttering open as she slowly came out of the anesthesia. Her voice was soft but clear enough for them both to hear.

“Did I just hear you say you love Emily?” Lily’s question hung in the air as she blinked herself awake, her eyes slowly focusing on her brother.

Eric and Tim exchanged startled glances before rushing to her bedside, one on each side.

“Lily, you’re awake!” they both exclaimed at the same time, relief flooding their faces.

Lily, still groggy but coherent, smiled weakly. “Yeah, I’m awake. But don’t avoid my question, Eric.”

Eric, trying to play innocent, raised an eyebrow. “What question?”

Lily rolled her eyes. “Do you really love Emily?”

Eric paused, then smiled softly, nodding. “Yeah, I do. I can’t imagine my life without her now.”

Lily’s face broke into a wide grin. “I’m glad to hear that. I really like her. She’s kind-hearted and sweet. You’re lucky to have her.”

Eric squeezed his sister’s hand, his smile matching hers. “I know. She’s everything and more.”

Tim, standing on the other side of the bed, shifted awkwardly. “How are you feeling, Lily? Any discomfort?”

Lily shrugged lightly, grimacing just a bit. “I’m okay. Sore, mostly, but nothing unbearable. Quit worrying so much.”

Just then, Emily returned, carrying a bag of hot soup and drinks. She walked over to the bed, her face lighting up when she saw Lily awake.

“Hey there,” Emily said warmly, placing the bag on the bedside table. “How are you feeling?”

Lily smiled at her. “Sore and tired, but I’m alright. Thanks for asking.”

“That’s normal,” Emily said, nodding. “My dad said everything went smoothly, and you’ll recover quickly. I brought you some chicken soup to help you get your strength back.”

“Thank you,” Lily said gratefully. “That’s really thoughtful of you.”

“Make sure she eats it, Eric,” Emily instructed with a playful smile. “I have to head back to the office to meet my mom, but I’ll call you later tonight.”

“Thanks for everything,” Eric replied. “Be safe, and I’ll wait for your call.”

Emily gave Lily a gentle hug before waving goodbye and heading out. As she left, Lily looked up at her brother, her expression serious.

“You better hold on to her, Eric. Don’t let her slip away.”

Tim chimed in, nodding in agreement. “Yeah, she’s a keeper.”

Eric grinned. “I know. And I’m not letting her go.”

As they talked with Lily and filled her in on the latest news, Eric spoon-fed her the soup Emily had brought, and Tim helped her sip water. The two men took care of her with such tenderness that Lily couldn’t help but feel grateful. She knew she was lucky to have them both by her side.

Eventually, Lily grew tired, her eyelids drooping as the medication and exhaustion caught up with her.

Eric whispered to Tim, “She needs to rest now. I think we should head out.”

Tim shook his head. “You go ahead. I’ll stay a little longer and keep an eye on her.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Eric said, surprised.

“I want to,” Tim insisted. “You’ve been stressed. Go home, shower, eat something, and get some rest.”

Eric smiled, appreciating his friend’s gesture. “Thanks, Tim. I’ll leave her in your care.”

As Eric left, Tim sat back down beside Lily, the quiet hospital room now filled with his thoughts.