A few days passed quietly, with Lily burying herself in schoolwork and waiting anxiously for her upcoming doctor’s appointment. The thought of what the future might hold kept creeping into her mind, but she pushed it aside, holding onto Eric’s reassurance. Today was the day she would find out if there was truly hope.

Lily sighed as she finished up her papers, glancing at the clock. "Will they really be able to help me?" she whispered, trying to convince herself. "I must try and believe Eric."

Just as she gathered her things, a knock sounded on her bedroom door. “Come in,” she called.

Eric stepped inside, his usual calm smile in place. “Lily, are you ready? It’s time to go.”

“I’ll be done in a few minutes,” she replied, trying to sound confident.

“Okay. I’ll wait for you outside in the car,” Eric said before leaving her to finish up.

A few minutes later, Lily hurried downstairs and slipped into Eric’s car. They drove in silence for a while, the tension in the air palpable.

Eric glanced over at her, noticing her silence. “Don’t be worried, Lily. We’re going to get good news today,” he said, trying to reassure her.

“Are you sure?” she asked, doubt still clouding her thoughts.

“I’m positive,” he said with conviction. “You’ve got to stay positive, too.”

Lily tried to smile, but her thoughts were elsewhere. “I’ll try,” she murmured, her voice wavering.

Eric hesitated for a moment before breaking the silence again. “Oh, by the way, there’s something I wanted to tell you.”

Lily perked up. “What is it?”

“Well,” Eric began, sighing. “I met someone a few weeks ago. It was love at first sight, really.”

“What?!” Lily blurted out, her worry temporarily replaced by curiosity.

“Calm down,” Eric said, chuckling. “There’s just one small problem… she might hate me now.”

Lily stared at him, confused. “Hate you? What did you do?”

Eric sighed again, the smile fading. “I actually saved her from a dangerous situation, but she didn’t understand what happened. Before I could explain, she just… left.”

Lily’s eyes widened. “Wouldn’t she know what happened?”

“No,” Eric replied, his voice more serious now. “Someone drugged her that night. She wasn’t fully aware of what was going on.”

“Oh my gosh,” Lily gasped. “That’s terrible, Eric. You have to explain everything if you really care about her.”

“That’s the plan,” Eric said with a grim smile. “And about that… the doctors you’re seeing today? They’re her parents.”

Lily raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming on her lips. “Ahh, so that’s why you were so determined to get me an appointment.”

Eric laughed, shaking his head. “Well, partly. But I obviously want to get you the best help I can.”

“So, what’s the plan for winning her back?” Lily teased, seeing her brother in such an unusual state.

Eric glanced at her, his expression softening. “Her name is Emily, and she’s working at her parents’ practice today. I’m hoping I can see her and finally explain.”

“I’ve never seen you like this before, big brother,” Lily said, her teasing tone turning sincere. “You really like her, don’t you?”

“I do,” Eric admitted, his voice quiet but filled with emotion. “I never thought I’d meet someone who’d make me feel this way.”

Lily laughed lightly. “Well, I’ll do what I can to help. I have to meet the woman who’s managed to steal your heart!”

“Thanks, little sis,” Eric said, giving her a grateful smile.

They arrived at the doctor’s office, checking in for Lily’s appointment. As they waited in the lobby, a door opened, and a soft, familiar voice called for a patient. Lily turned her head just in time to see Eric tense up beside her, his eyes wide.

“Is that her?” Lily whispered, watching as the beautiful woman across the room met Eric’s gaze with an almost panicked expression.

“Yes,” Eric mumbled, unable to take his eyes off Emily, who hurried back behind the door with her patient, her face pale.

Lily stifled a laugh. “Looks like you’ve got your work cut out for you.”

Eric sighed in defeat. “Yeah, this won’t be easy.”

“Well, good luck,” Lily said with a playful nudge.

Just then, a nurse stepped into the waiting room. “Lily Hart? We’re ready for you now.”

Eric and Lily followed the nurse to an exam room, where she instructed Lily to sit on the bed and Eric to take a seat nearby. After checking Lily’s vitals, the nurse offered a few reassuring words before leaving them alone.

Eric fidgeted in his seat before standing up. “Hey, I’m going to try and find the bathroom,” he said, though the twinkle in his eye suggested he had other plans.

Lily raised an eyebrow. “Sure, the bathroom. Good luck with Emily,” she teased.

“Can’t fool you, can I?” Eric said, laughing softly as he winked at her. “I’ll be back soon.”

As Eric slipped out of the room, Lily leaned back, feeling a mixture of anticipation and hope. Today could be the start of something new for both of them—her chance at healing and her brother’s chance at finding love.