The hospital hallway felt endless as Emily’s father emerged from the operating room, his face calm and reassuring. The tension in the air lifted instantly, as everyone looked up, waiting for the news.

“The surgery was a success,” Dr. LaRoux announced with a gentle smile. “Lily is being taken to her room now to recover. It’ll take a little while for her to wake up from the anesthesia, but you can go see her.”

Eric let out a long-held breath and immediately reached for Dr. LaRoux’s hand. “Thank you,” he said, his voice thick with relief. “Thank you so much.”

Beside him, Emily shared a knowing glance with her father. “What room is she in, Dad?”

“Follow me,” Dr. LaRoux gestured, leading them all through the hallway. As they entered the room, the sound of Lily’s steady breathing was the first thing to greet them. Peaceful and still, she lay in the bed, her face serene despite the ordeal.

Without hesitation, Ryan hurried to Lily’s side, his hand brushing softly against her cheek. “Thank goodness you’re okay,” he whispered, as though speaking would wake her. “I have so much to tell you when you wake up.”

Across the room, Tim watched the intimate moment, and something inside him tightened. The sight of Ryan touching Lily sent a surge of jealousy through him, a feeling he hadn’t fully acknowledged until now. Without thinking, he stormed out of the room, his emotions too intense to contain.

Ryan’s soft murmurings continued. “You gave us all such a scare, Lils,” he said, brushing a stray hair from her forehead. Becca stepped up next to him, her expression thoughtful but sad. She couldn’t miss the longing in Ryan’s eyes.

“I’m glad she’s going to be okay,” Becca said quietly, though her eyes remained fixed on the gentle way Ryan gazed at Lily.

Eric, standing by the door, offered them both a grateful smile. “Thanks for being here, both of you. It means the world to us.”

Becca gave a slight tug on Ryan’s sleeve. “We’ll leave you to have some family time with her,” she said softly.

Ryan hesitated, glancing back at Lily, but nodded. “Yeah, we’ll be back later.”

Once they were gone, Emily turned to Eric. “I’m going to get some soup and drinks for Lily. She’ll be hungry when she wakes up.”

Eric, always the overprotective brother, started to protest. “You don’t need to—”

“I want to,” Emily interrupted with a smile, already heading for the door. “I’ll be back soon.”

As Emily left the room, Tim reappeared, his face still shadowed with the jealousy that had driven him out earlier. He forced a smile and walked over to Eric.

"Hey," Tim said, “you look like you could use a break. Go get a shower, some food, and maybe a nap. I’ll stay here with Lily until you get back.”

Eric looked conflicted. “I don’t know, Tim. I feel like I should be here when she wakes up.”

“She’s in good hands,” Tim assured him, though his eyes flickered to Lily, as if making a silent promise to himself. “You’re no use to anyone if you’re exhausted. I’ll take care of her, I swear.”

Eric hesitated for a moment, then sighed. “Alright.” He bent down to hug Lily one more time. “I love you, sis. I’ll be back in a bit.”

“I love you too,” Lily murmured softly, still half-asleep but aware enough to return the embrace.

With Eric gone, the room fell into silence, except for the steady beeping of machines and Lily’s soft breathing. Tim sat in the chair beside her bed, his thoughts swirling with the events of the day. He hadn’t expected to feel this way—hadn’t expected his feelings for Lily to be so intense. But seeing her vulnerable, nearly lost, had brought everything into sharp focus.

His eyes lingered on her, taking in the pale softness of her face, the rise and fall of her chest. How had he been so blind? How had he not realized that the girl he had always thought of as Eric’s little sister had become so much more to him?

Just then, a faint voice pulled him out of his thoughts.

“Did I just hear you say you love Emily?”

Tim jumped, startled to see Lily’s eyes fluttering open, a sleepy smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She was groggy but awake, and her words hung in the air between them.

“Lily, you’re awake!” Tim said, a wave of relief washing over him.

Eric rushed back into the room, having heard her voice from the hallway. “You’re finally awake!”

Lily blinked, still dazed. “Yes… but don’t avoid my question. Did you say you love Emily?”

Eric’s face softened, a slow smile spreading across his lips. “Yeah, I do. I love her. I can’t imagine my life without her now.”

Lily smiled back at her brother, her earlier fears momentarily forgotten. “I’m glad to hear that. She’s a good person, and she loves you too.”

Eric’s hand found hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. “But enough about me. How do you feel? Are you in any pain?”

Tim, still at her side, leaned forward, his concern clear. “You’re not uncomfortable, are you?”

Lily’s gaze shifted between the two men, warmth filling her chest. “I’m okay, really. I just feel sore where the incision was made, but it’s not too bad. You guys worry too much.”

At that moment, Emily returned, carrying a bag filled with soup and drinks. She smiled brightly as she walked toward Lily. “Hi there. I’m so glad to see you awake! How are you feeling?”

Lily smiled back, grateful for Emily’s kindness. “I feel sore and tired, but mostly, I’m just relieved. Thank you, Emily. Your dad is amazing.”

Emily handed her the soup. “He said you should recover quickly, and we’re all here to make sure you do.”

As Emily and Eric exchanged a few words, Tim watched Lily closely, feeling a shift inside himself that he couldn’t ignore. His feelings for her had always been there, buried under layers of friendship and familiarity. But now, seeing her like this, he knew—he cared about her deeply. And for the first time, he couldn’t deny that he wanted more.

When Eric left, Tim remained by Lily’s side, the quiet room allowing him the space to sort through the emotions swirling in his chest.

And Lily, lying there, felt the tension in the air. She could sense something had changed between them, something unspoken yet powerful. As the minutes passed, she couldn’t help but wonder—was it possible that Tim was finally seeing her the way she had always seen him?

However, her thoughts soon drifted back off as she fell back into a deep slumber. Only to have her thoughts replaced by the sweetest of dreams, leaving a slight smile upon her lips as she slept.