Lily sat in the hospital bed, her heart racing as the minutes ticked by. The sterile smell of the room, the beeping machines, and the hushed conversations around her only heightened her anxiety. She glanced at her family and friends gathered around, each of them trying to soothe her nerves. But deep down, fear gnawed at her.

Eric squeezed her hand, his face filled with concern. "Little sister, don’t worry. Everything will turn out okay," he said softly. "I’ll see you in just a little while, and you’ll be all better."

Tears welled up in Lily’s eyes. "I’m so scared! I’ve tried to be strong, but I can’t," she sobbed.

Emily, standing on the other side, leaned in and gently wiped away a tear from Lily’s cheek. "Shh… don’t cry," she whispered, her voice comforting. "It’s okay to be scared, but you’ll be just fine. My dad is the best at what he does. He’ll take really good care of you."

Lily sniffled, her fear subsiding just a little. "I will be fine, right?" she asked, more to reassure herself than anyone else.

Just then, the hospital curtain parted, and a familiar face peeked through, wearing a wide smile.

"Hi, Lily," Tim said as he stepped into the room. He held a bouquet of colorful spring flowers in his hands. "I wanted to stop by and wish you luck."

Lily's face lit up at the sight of him. "Hi, Tim. Thanks for coming," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Tim walked over and handed her the flowers. "These are for you. I thought they’d brighten your day."

Lily’s eyes softened as she took in the fragrance of the bouquet. "They’re beautiful, Tim. Thank you," she whispered. "You didn’t have to get me anything."

"I wanted to," Tim replied, his voice low, a smile tugging at his lips. Their eyes locked, and for a moment, it felt like the room had gone silent, the weight of unspoken emotions hanging between them.

Emily, noticing the exchange, nudged Eric gently. He glanced at his sister and Tim, his brow furrowing in confusion. The connection between them wasn’t lost on him now, and he found himself wondering how he’d missed it before.

Eric cleared his throat awkwardly, breaking the tension. "Umm… well, it’s almost time, Lily. The doctor will be here soon to take you back."

Lily’s fear returned in a rush, and she started to cry again, her composure crumbling. "I’m really scared!" she confessed, her voice trembling.

Emily wrapped her arms around Lily, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "It’s okay to be scared," she murmured into her ear. "But soon, this will all be over, and you’ll be able to live your life without worry."

Lily wiped her eyes and smiled weakly at Emily. In that moment, she realized how lucky her brother was to have found someone like Emily. She was a true treasure.

Tim stood nearby, watching Lily break down. His chest tightened with a feeling he hadn’t expected—fear. Fear that something might happen to her. Fear that he hadn’t told her what she truly meant to him. He had always known he cared about Lily, but now, seeing her like this, he realized it was more than that. Much more. He didn’t want to imagine a world without her in it. But instead of saying anything, he stood there, smiling at her, trying to hide his inner turmoil.

Emily’s father walked into the room, his presence immediately calming. "Well, Lily, it’s time to take you back," he said kindly. "Your family and friends can wait here. We won’t be long."

Becca rushed forward, hugging Lily tightly. "Be strong, Lils," she whispered. "We’ll see you soon."

Lily hugged her back. "Thank you."

Ryan stepped forward, his eyes filled with tenderness. "Lils, we’ll be right here, waiting for you," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Remember, we all love you."

Lily smiled gratefully at him, but Tim’s fists clenched at his sides. A surge of jealousy shot through him as he watched Ryan touch Lily, gazing at her like she was the most important person in the world. He almost stepped forward to say something but stopped himself.

What am I thinking? Tim thought, his mind racing. Why do I care so much? Why am I so angry?

It hit him like a freight train. He cared because he did like her—more than he ever realized. Lily wasn’t just Eric’s little sister to him anymore. She was the girl who had quietly stolen his heart over the years, and he had been too blind to see it.

As the doctor and nurse wheeled Lily out of the room, Tim stood frozen, grappling with the sudden realization of his feelings. He had no idea what to do next.

The waiting room grew quiet as the hours passed. Tension hung heavy in the air, each minute dragging on painfully. Tim, unable to sit still, paced back and forth, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

Across the room, Becca and Ryan sat together, whispering. Tim couldn’t help but overhear their conversation.

"Are you sure that’s a good idea?" Becca asked quietly, her tone uncertain.

"Yes," Ryan replied confidently. "I’ve waited long enough. It’s now or never."

"I don’t know, Ryan," Becca said, her voice laced with doubt.

"If everything goes well," Ryan continued, "I’m going to tell Lily how I feel. I really like her, and this might be my only chance."

Tim’s blood boiled at Ryan’s words. His hands balled into fists as the jealousy surged once more. No. No, this isn’t right. I don’t want Ryan to tell her he likes her. I don’t want her to be with him.

Suddenly, it all became crystal clear. Tim liked Lily—he really liked her. The thought sent his heart into overdrive. How did I not see it before?

As Tim stood there, trying to process his feelings, the surgery light in the waiting room flickered off. The doors to the operating room swung open, and everyone in the room snapped to attention. Tim’s heart pounded in his chest, and he knew that whatever happened next, he couldn’t let Lily slip away. Not now. Not ever.