The constant beeping of the heart monitor was loud in the silence of the hospital room. Leonardo sat on the chair beside Elena’s bed, his head bowed, his fingers still wrapped around Elena’s hand as if he feared letting go would make her disappear. He held on like his life depended on it.
His usually stern face looked younger in rest — but exhausted, shadows deepening the lines around his eyes.
Elena stirred. Her lashes fluttered as consciousness slowly pulled her from the heavy darkness. Blurred lights… cool sheets… the taste of iron at the back of her throat.
Then her eyes focused.
Leonardo.
Holding her hand. Head bent. There was a tightness in her chest, from emotion. The party, the drink. She remembered everything that happened.
She squeezed his hand.
He sat upright, eyes wide
