Chapter Text
The next time Mira’s eyes opened she was met with a dark room, light moonlight peered in through the blinds of her hospital bed. Mira groggily peeked around, taking note of the machines humming and beeping, she was alone. No Zoey to be found. She glanced up to the wall clock, squinting to see it without the use of her glasses or contacts. 3:19 AM.
Mira groaned and rested her head back on the pillow, she pictured Zoey asleep in her bed at their apartment and Rumi. Wait.. Rumi..
“Rumi!” Mira shot upright looking around the room frantically as if the walls held all her answers.
She ripped off her blankets and slid her legs off the bed. They felt weaker, it was harder to move them into the sitting position. Mira took a deep breath as she slowly rose to her feet, stumbling as her legs buckled under her.
“Shit!” She grabbed hold of her IV pole using it to steady herself as she hesitantly tried to take a step.
Her feet prickled with pins and needles, her legs wouldn’t hold her up without support.
Mira sucked a painful breath through her teeth as she pulled her IV pole with her, taking small shuffled steps across the cold tile floor.
“I’m coming Rumi..”
Step, pause to catch her breath and another step. Her legs slowly caught into the rhythm.
Step. Pause. Step.
She reached the door as the pins and needles faded into a dull ache, her back was sore from struggling to walk. Mira rested her hand on the door and pushed with all her strength, the door slowly opened as a wobbly Mira made her way out to the hallway, her IV pole in hand and various wires and tubes dragging behind her from her bed.
The nurses looked up in shock, pausing to share a look amongst themselves.
“R-Rumi.. Nim..” Mira panted the name out with all the air left in her lungs.
Her legs buckled as she steadied herself against the doorway, leaning one shoulder against the frame, her arm outstretched blocking the doorway keeping herself propped up.
The nurses quickly sprang into action after a moment of disbelief, one pulling up a wheelchair guiding Mira to sit. A second nurse whispers to another, Mira picks up the faint whispers. “She’s not meant to be awake!”
Mira huffed as she took her seat, hand gripping firmly to the doorway stopping the nurse from moving back into her room.
“I’m not going to lay back down.. Rumi Nim.. Where is she?”
The nurse paused looking up to her coworkers, hesitant.
“Take me.. Or I will walk these damn halls until I find her myself..” Mira grumbled out her voice laced with exhaustion but firmly determined.
A new nurse rounds the corner with haste, speed walking to Mira’s side taking her chair from the other nurse.
“I’ll take her from here! Please disconnect everything but her IV.”
Mira glanced back to this new face, round, sweet, black hair pulled up in a messy bun and her brown eyes lined with dark bags as if she hadn’t slept in days. Mira huffed as she watched this new nurse take charge.
Mystery nurse nodded her thanks as she wheeled Mira down the hall, turning the corner in the original direction she came from, Turning down a couple twisting and turning halls before entering an area labeled ICU. Mira froze, unsure what to expect.
“Mira I’m guessing?” The nurse kept her eyes forward, glancing down briefly when Mira didn’t respond.
“.. Yes..” Mira replied cautiously.
The nurse nodded before she stopped, pressed her back to a door, opened it slowly and wheeled Mira inside, backwards.
“I’m Sue, Bobby is a close friend, he asked me to take care of you when you woke up.”
Mira’s posture relaxed but only slightly. She turned her head trying to see where Sue brought her.
“She’s.. Stable, don’t be afraid to talk to her.”
Sue paused for a moment before taking a deep breath and turning Mira towards the bed that sat in the middle of the room.
Rumi. She lay motionless, almost peaceful. Her hair down, not braided like usual, ruffled around her body. Patterns glittering soft purple all her demon features now reverted back to human. A machine pumped air into Rumi’s lungs, another made sure her heart kept its pace, her legs and arms bandaged and casted followed by a neckbrace. She looked like she was.. Sleeping, her face rested in tranquility.
Mira’s chest tightened, her eyes wide and lips pressed together, unsure what to say or do.
Sue took a breath, breaking the silence. “She’s been like this for a couple weeks now. This is the best she's been, since you woke up she’s been stable.”
Mira slowly reached her hand out, hovering over Rumi’s, she was too scared to touch her, afraid she’d break her no matter how soft her hands were.
“She- She can feel me?” Mira’s voice was hoarse as she croaked out the words.
Sue nodded small soft nods as she leaned over to Rumi’s ear.
“You have a visitor, Mira, she's here.”
Mira’s eyes flicked from Sue to Rumi’s hand as she slowly and carefully took a hold of it, sliding her fingers between her own. Rumi’s skin was warm, alive, she felt like she would just wake up at any moment, her hands soft like she never stopped taking care of them.
Sue gently patted Mira’s shoulder, pausing before she whispered. “I’ll give you a moment.”
Sue made her way to the door, closing it behind her with a gentle click.
Mira’s shoulders dropped, she couldn’t believe she was looking at Rumi.. her Rumi. Her mind raced, Had Zoey seen her yet? What about Bobby? Who was Sue and how did Bobby know her? What did Rumi mean when she last saw her in that dream place?
Mira shook her head and sighed deeply, her grip tightening gently around Rumi’s. She paused, taking a moment to find the words to say. Her eyes flickered between all the machines before settling on Rumi’s face, she looked peaceful- too peaceful and Mira couldn’t stomach it.
“Hey.. Ru.” Her voice was softer than she meant it to be.
She cleared her throat and tried again.
“I.. I woke up today.” Mira paused again, unsure what to say.
“I miss you..” The words left her lips before she could stop them, her grip squeezed gently as she scanned Rumi’s face, looking for any signs of life, movement, anything.
“I don’t know how but- you saved me Ru. I have so many questions..” Mira continued as a small huff escaped her lips.
“Can you hear me?.. I don’t know why I’m asking- it’s not like you can reply..” Mira laughed half to herself as her eyes fell on the tube in Rumi’s throat, her smile faltering as she closed her eyes, squeezing them tight.
Mira sat in silence for a few moments, the gentle beeping of Rumi’s machines filling the silence, Mira started feeling the effects of sleep gripping her mind. Her eyes hung half lidded, head lulling before she jerked herself upright again. A large yawn spread across her face as her free hand rubbed the sleep from her eyes, begging her body to stay awake. Her pain meds were definitely kicking her ass, she felt the grip of sleep again as her eyes slowly closed.
Then for a split second Mira felt a tug at her fingers. Her eyes shot open, flickering from her hand intertwined with Rumi’s to her face. Not a single movement. She watched, focus furrowed in her brow at their hands for a few moments but nothing. She sighed softly leaning back against her wheelchair, brushing her thumb against the back of Rumi’s hand.
Sue knocked gently before opening the door, clearing her throat.
“Ready?”
Mira didn’t look away from Rumi, she just gave a single subtly small nod before hesitantly removing her hand from Rumi’s.
“Gotta go for now Ru.. I’ll be back later ok?”
Sue took Mira’s chair in her hands, pausing for a second longer, letting Mira get one last moment before slowly turning her away and wheeling her out of the room.
___________
Mira laid in her bed staring at the ceiling, she squinted to the clock again, 5:43 AM. She groaned as she pulled her hands over her face, unable to sleep again after seeing Rumi.
Mira crossed her arms back over her chest, eyes connecting the dots on the ceiling tiles. She couldn’t get Rumi out of her mind from the last time she saw her in the weird memory world. Her hair was down. Long flowing purple locks flowed around her body, her patterns shimmered with different colors. Not the dull purple ones Rumi had now. She looked tired, like she had run back to back marathons. Then her last words rang through her mind.
‘Wake up yeobo, wake up and I’ll find you, I love you!’
Mira replayed the words in her head, Rumi loved her, she said it herself. A small smile spread on Mira’s lips as she replayed her new nickname, something she wasn’t prepared to hear from Rumi.
“Hmmph.. Yeobo.. Certainly something Rumi would say..”
Mira felt her eyes grow heavy again, Rumi’s words replaying in her head as she slowly closed her eyes.
‘I love you!’
‘I love you!’
Mira’s lips tugged upwards as she slowly drifted off to sleep.
_______________
“Thanks Bobby, I’ll be ok.” Zoey pauses as Bobby replies on the other end of the line.
“Yeah.. I wouldn’t mind but I want to be there when she wakes up.”
Another pause.
“.. No I haven’t yet..”
Zoey sighs but hesitantly agrees.
“Ok.. ok yes Bobby I will I promise, Bye.”
Mira’s eyes open to the end of Zoey’s call, her eyes burn with sleep, she looks up to the clock squinting as it reads 8:45 AM. Zoey was here early.
“Hmm. What did Bobby want?” Mira watches as Zoey paces at the foot of her bed, jolting a little as Mira speaks.
“Mira!-” Zoey’s hand clutches her chest. “You scared me!”
Her shoulders drop as she rushes over taking Mira’s hand. Her eyes look tired, heavy as if she hasn’t slept in a long while.
A small smile tugs at Mira’s lips as she gently squeezes Zoey’s hand. The two sit together in silence for a few moments as Mira takes a deep breath before breaking the quiet.
“I saw Rumi.. earlier this morning..”
The room stayed silent as Zoey looked up, her mouth opening then closing as if the words won’t come out.
“She’s.. Stable.” Mira brushed her thumb against the back of Zoey’s fingers, grounding both herself and Zoey.
Zoey met Mira’s gaze after a few moments of silence, tears welling in her eyes. “Mira.. I’m scared..”
That alone was enough to make Mira’s chest ache, Without speaking she reached her hand up to Zoey’s face, cupping it gently as she brushed the tears away.
Zoey sniffled leaning into Mira’s hand letting her shoulders drop, melting into the touch. “What if she doesn’t wake up?” Zoey couldn’t meet Mira’s eyes. She traced little circles on the back of Mira’s hand.
Mira stiffened, she couldn’t let Zoey know how scared she was too. She paused and scooted over patting the space beside herself, beckoning Zoey to lay beside her, Zoey didn’t hesitate and curled up into Mira’s side gripping onto her hospital gown like she’d disappear if she let go.
Mira pulled Zoey into her side, guiding the young rapper’s head to her chest, leaning her cheek on the crown of Zoey’s head. Mira squeezed her eyes tight and sighed letting the tension drop in her shoulders as she traced her fingertips along the back of Zoey’s neck.
“I know Zo.. get some sleep ok?” Mira pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
Zoey, already exhausted from weeks of little sleep, only nodded in response, tucking her head into the crook of Mira’s neck as her tired eyes closed.
It wasn’t too much longer until Zoey fell asleep, her steady, warm breath against Mira’s neck, arm draped over the pink headed one's waist. Mira just held her, gently soothing her as she slept, her fingertips danced across Zoey’s shoulders and neck, keeping her relaxed and grounded as soft snores rolled from her lips.
Mira too closed her eyes trying to settle the ball of nerves in her chest, she had seen Rumi, touched her hand and spoke to her and she swore she felt Rumi’s fingers twitch in her hand. If she could get back to Rumi she’d see if it happened again but for now she had to make sure Zoey was resting, she felt smaller from what Mira remembered, had she not been eating? Mira’s brow furrowed at the thought of Zoey sitting in the apartment, alone, empty, not eating or sleeping. She pulled the younger one closer, holding her tighter as she peppered her forehead with small soft kisses, a soft coo was the only response from the sleeping member but that alone was enough to make Mira smile.
She held Zoey for what seemed like forever, Mira’s eyes flicked to the clock, 9:33 AM. The nurse would be in soon and she’d definitely hear from her about sharing a bed in her condition but Mira didn’t care, Zoey was her focus until Rumi improved. Mira’s eyes closed again but sleep didn’t come, she just rested against Zoey keeping her grounded and comfortable.
A small soft knock came from the door prompting Mira’s eyes to open again. Bobby slipped inside, quietly with a small sad smile on his face.
“Hey Mira.. How’re you doing?” Bobby’s voice was soft and quiet, he had a container of take out hotteok in his hands.
“I’m.. alright, has Zoey been alone since Rumi and I have been here?” Mira’s tone was soft, almost scared to know the answer.
Bobby took his seat beside the bed, setting the food down on the side table before he met Mira’s gaze, a single small sad nod followed in response.
“I’ve made sure to check on her and drop off meals but she requested it, to be alone..” Bobby placed a hand on Zoey’s shoulder.
Mira’s eyes welled with tears as she glanced down at Zoey. She was trying so hard to be strong and not burden anyone with her emotions or problems. Mira’s casted hand reached over and gently brushed her thumb across Zoey’s cheekbone. Mira’s attention went to the take out bag before her eyes flicked back to Zoey, she knew it was for Zoey, maybe she’d finally eat something with her there.
“Thank you Bobby.. For checking on her and making sure she had food..” Mira pressed her lips to Zoey’s forehead once more as she stirs.
Zoey groaned softly as she rubbed her eyes with the heel of her palm.
“Mmph.. how long was I asleep for? I’m sorry.” She slowly sat up, turning to see Bobby offering him a sleepy small smile, one that didn’t reach her eyes.
“Not long, about an hour.” Mira’s hand rested on Zoey’s back offering her comfort.
Zoey hummed in response as a large yawn grew on her lips, her stomach growling as she smelled the hottoek. She quickly pressed her hand to her stomach in a feeble attempt to quiet it.
Mira chuckles softly as she nudges Zoey’s shoulders. “Eat Zo, it’s ok.”
Zoey turns a slight shade of pink as she nods in agreement, taking a couple small bites before offering a bite to Mira.
Mira leans over taking a bite before gently nudging her again coaxing Zoey to eat. Bobby smiles as he stands, pulling out his phone tapping on it a few times before heading to the door.
“I’ll be back soon girls, I’ve got a couple news articles to speak too.. Take your time here Zoey, no rush to leave.” Bobby pushes his way out the door pausing as Sue greets him. The two mumble a few words before Bobby waves, taking his leave and Sue pushes in.
“Morning Mira, how’re you feeling from earlier?” Sue slides on her glasses as she grabs Mira’s chart, scanning it over as she briefly looks up, her soft gaze meeting Mira’s and flicking to Zoey before settling back to Mira.
“Tired mostly, but alright I guess.” Mira slides her arm around Zoey’s waist tucking her closer, a silent claim on Zoey sharing her bed.
Sue nods as she flips a couple pages before rounding the bed to check Mira’s IV. A soft hum of disapproval leaving the older woman's lips.
“No pain?” Sue double checks Mira’s chart before adjusting her IV to the proper dose.
“That should help a little with any pain, and maybe sleep.” Sue rounds back to the foot of the bed, marking a couple things down before setting the clipboard back in the holder.
“Not really, maybe a little in my legs.”
Sue nods again, her eyes flickering from Mira to Zoey then back again, casually.
“I’ll see about getting you a bigger bed, you can start physical therapy tomorrow after lunch now that you’re awake. It should help with the pain and numbness.”
Sue reaches down, pinching one of Mira’s toes before looking back to Mira.
“Anything?”
Mira’s brow furrows as she shakes her head, only a faint tingle where Sue had pinched.
Sue nods again glancing over to Zoey, her eyes softening and tone gentler.
“Would you like to stay tonight? I can have a bigger bed brought in today.” A soft smile spreads on Sue’s lips, almost motherly.
Zoey opens her mouth to respond but Mira beats her to it.
“Yes, she’s staying.”
Sue smiles at the two again before bowing her head and leaving, calling over her shoulder.
“I’ll make sure a new bed is brought in within the hour.”
Almost as fast as she came, she was gone, leaving Zoey and Mira alone again.
“You didn’t have to say yes..” Zoey mumbles softly.
Mira smirks as she leans on Zoey’s shoulder. “Oh? And have you stay at home alone again? No way.”
Zoey flushes pink as she scans Mira’s face, her brows furrowed in confusion.
“Oh I have my ways of finding things out.” Mira doesn’t even have to look to feel the confusion and fluster on Zoey’s face.
Zoey grunts, her eyes narrowing as she takes another bite of hotteok, chewing slowly before pressing it to Mira’s lips, coaxing Mira to bite too.
Mira takes a small bite before nudging Zoey’s hand back to her mouth.
“Eat.. I promise I’m ok.” Mira presses a kiss to Zoey’s head, resting her cheek against the crown of Zoey’s head.
Zoey relaxes to the kiss, her body relaxing as she eats slowly.
“Mira..” Zoey pauses.
“I want to see Rumi..”
Mira tenses, her eyes widen as she stares at the door ahead, not daring to meet Zoey’s eyes.
“Can I come with you next time you see her?” Zoey muffles between bites.
Mira takes a deep breath, carefully finding the words to say. Her mouth opens. Closes. Then it opens again.
“I.. I don’t know Zoey.”
Zoey looks up to Mira, scanning her face with confusion in her brow.
Mira looks up to the ceiling, not letting Zoey see her fear, she pulls her hand down her face before turning back, eyes unreadable.
“Rumi is.. Well she’s in the ICU. We can’t get in without a doctor.”
Zoey’s jaw locks as she swallows hard, her eyes welling with tears again.
“Mira.. I love her too..”
Mira inhales a sharp breath, her chest tightening as her heart breaks slightly. How could she say no to that? Zoey and Mira both confessed how they felt that night. Zoey was the only reason Mira and Rumi were still alive. Mira takes a shaky breath, squeezing her eyes tight for a moment before nodding.
“Ok.. but- Zoey.. She’s stable ok? Don’t worry about anything else, she's- she's in good hands alright?”
Zoey nods hesitantly, turning back to the food in her lap staring down at it for a couple moments before picking up the last hotteok and biting into it, chewing slowly.
Mira swallows the lump in her throat as she leans over kissing Zoey’s hair. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t scared for Zoey but she knew she couldn’t keep it from her too.
___________
Mira settles into the bigger bed with a sigh of relief, Zoey curled up under her arm. A soft hum comes from her lips as she closes her tired eyes.
A gentle pair of lips press to her cheek, causing Mira to open her eyes again in shock. Mira blinks looking back at Zoey who was pink cheeked but smiling up at her.
Mira huffs softly bringing her casted arm over her body, cupping Zoey’s cheek to tilt her head up slightly, Mira watches as Zoey gets pinker before she leans down pressing a soft kiss to Zoey’s lips.
Mira feels Zoey instantly melt, a soft happy moan coming from her lips as Mira slowly pulls away.
A slightly kiss drunk Zoey meets Mira’s eyes, her lips grinning happily, eyes fluttering shut and cheeks bright pink.
Mira chuckles softly brushing her thumb along Zoey’s jaw.
“Never thought our first kiss would be in a hospital bed.. But here we are.”
Zoey’s eyes open, fluster keeping her from speaking as her eyes flicker from Mira’s down to her lips and back. Eagerly wanting another kiss but not sure how to ask.
A smirk tugs at Mira’s lips as she watches Zoey’s eyes flicker to her lips for a second before returning to her eyes. Mira leans in again, slower drawing out Zoey’s fluster, pausing right as their lips would touch and whispering softly.
“Do you want another?”
Zoey’s breath hitches as she nods frantically.
“Then kiss me.”
Without a second of hesitation Zoey practically throws herself on Mira, kissing her again in another long tender kiss. Her hand fisting into Mira’s gown as she grips onto her, not wanting to let go.
Mira pulls her good arm around Zoey, holding her close letting her have as much comfort and affection the rapper needs, happy to give it to her. A drip on Mira’s cheek jolts her back, breaking the kiss gently as she reaches up brushing something wet from her cheek. Mira looks to her hands in confusion before she scans Zoey’s face, tears streaming down her pink cheeks silence.
“Mira.. Please don’t ever leave me again.. I missed you so much I was so scared..” The words leave Zoey’s mouth with so much tenderness and heartache it makes tears well in Mira’s eyes too.
Mira’s brow furrows as she swallows the lump in her throat, pulling Zoey to her chest.
“I promise Zoey. I promise..” Mira pulls her tight to her chest not caring about the pain in her ribs, only caring about Zoey, how hurt she must be and how scared she must’ve been. All Mira wants right now is to comfort her, show her love and take care of her in such a fragile state.
____________
The two of them stay cuddled up in Mira’s hospital bed, Zoey scrolling on TikTok giggling occasionally, showing Mira every other TikTok that pops up.
Mira’s arm around Zoey’s waist, her thumb brushing over her hips. Mira swears Zoey lost weight, her hips jut out slightly more than normal. Mira brushes the thought aside as she pulls her closer. Now wasn’t the time to focus on the negatives, Zoey was with her now, staying with her while she recovers Sue made sure anyone who tended to Mira was updated on her plus one.
Zoey giggled as she held her phone to Mira’s face, a livestream of a person in an orange jumpsuit with yellow stick on mustache and eyebrows pretending to be the Lorax played.
“She’s so bashful!” Zoey giggled again as the Lorax person stood on a container that was not handling the weight well.
Mira scoffed playfully, taking a sideways glance at Zoey, hearing her laugh right now was music to her ears.
“Oh my god- I should totally do this..” Zoey nudges Mira, getting her attention.
“Who should I be? I’m thinking a minion.”
“A what now?” Mira raises an eyebrow in confusion.
“A minion! The little yellow guys from that one movie, Despicable Me!”
Mira blinks blankly down to Zoey still unsure what a minion was.
Zoey gasped, mouth wide open.
“Once you’re out of here we’re watching Despicable Me.”
Mira laughed softly, rolling her eyes.
“Alright alright..”
Sue knocks before entering.
“I hear someone wants to see Rumi?” Sue pushes a wheelchair in the room stopping it beside Mira.
Zoey and Mira share a look before nodding hesitantly.
Sue smiles softly, helping Mira get into her wheelchair, motioning for Zoey to follow.
“I assume you told her what to expect?”
Sue whispers to Mira.
Mira stiffens but nods reluctantly.
Sue led the way through the halls, twisting and turning until she came to the ICU door. She scanned her badge waiting as the door slowly swung open. She makes the same path to the same door, pressing her back to it, rolling Mira in backwards, blocking Zoey from seeing Rumi for a second.
Mira takes Zoey’s hand as they turn to face Rumi’s bed.
Zoey stops in her tracks, eyes wide, mouth open. A look of shock and fear twisted on her face.
Mira’s grip tightens for a moment, squeezing Zoey back to herself as Sue wheels them over, pulling up a chair for Zoey to sit in.
“I’ll give you both some time but we can’t stay long.”
Mira nods in response, not taking her eyes off Rumi and Zoey.
Zoey takes her seat, eyes dragging slowly down Rumi’s body taking in everything. She slowly reaches her hand out taking Rumi’s in her free hand, her touch featherlight.
Mira sits with Zoey, holding her other hand, giving her time to process in the silence.
Zoey takes a deep breath breaking the silence.
“She’s.. Ok?” Her voice cracks near the end.
Mira nods, gently squeezing Zoey’s other hand, she didn’t trust her voice to not crack the same way.
Zoey takes a shaky breath before leaning over, placing a gentle kiss on Rumi’s cheek, whispering something Mira couldn’t make out in Rumi’s ear.
Zoey takes her seat again, eyes fixed on Rumi, flickering occasionally from Rumi’s face to her machines.
Mira’s eyes rest on Rumi’s arm, watching her dull purple patterns for any changes. Nothing.
Mira slowly takes her hand from Zoey’s and places it on the back of her neck, trailing along her baby hairs to ground Zoey.
Zoey turns to meet Mira’s gaze, her eyes full of tears and concern.
Mira only nods in silent agreement as she slides her hand to Zoey’s cheek, brushing her thumb along the underside of her eye. Taking a shaky breath she breaks the silence.
“She can hear us.. Feel us too.”
Zoey turns her gaze back to Rumi, hesitating before speaking up.
“Hey Rums.. It’s- it’s Zoey.” She clears her throat, swallowing the lump.
“I’m sorry it took so long for me to come see you.” Zoey pauses.
“I’m here now.. I miss you. Wake up soon ok? We need you..” Zoey gently leans over, kissing Rumi’s forehead before Sue knocks again.
“I know it was short this time but we’ve gotta head back..” Sue takes Mira’s wheelchair again, looking at Zoey, waiting until she’s ready to leave before moving towards the door.
Zoey followed Sue in silence, her hand in Mira’s.
Sue turns back into Mira’s room, carefully helping her to lay back down, pausing before leaving.
“I’ll make sure to request something extra when dinner comes.” Sue looks at her wrist, 6:15 PM.
“Should be here in about 15 minutes, already been informed there’s two now.”
Mira nods as Zoey takes her spot in bed beside Mira.
“Thank you Sue.. really.” Mira slides her arm over Zoey’s shoulders pulling her close.
Sue nods, a sad smile on her lips as she leaves, the door closing behind her with a click.
Mira scans Zoey’s face, checking for tears.
Zoey blinks looking up to Mira as she cups her face.
“She looks so..”
“Peaceful?” Mira finishes Zoey’s sentence as she nods.
“It’s.. weird. She looks like she’s going to wake up any second now.” Mira continues.
Zoey nods in response leaning into Mira’s chest hiding her face.
Mira brushes her fingers through Zoey’s baby hairs letting her curl deeper into her arms.
“It’s going to be ok Zo.” Mira breaks the silence.
Zoey’s fingers grip onto Mira’s gown, her throat tight as she nods, unable to speak.
The two of them laid together, Mira’s fingers dancing along Zoey’s neck, gently coaxing her to relax.
Zoey sits up leaning over Mira, her hand sliding up to hold Mira’s face. Thumb resting on her chin as she leans in, grounding herself with a small soft kiss.
Mira kisses her back, just as soft and gentle, welcoming the affection.
“I’m glad I’m with you Mir..” Zoey tucks back into Mira's neck, draping her arm across Mira’s chest to thread her fingers in Mira’s hair.
“I’m glad you’re here Zo, I really am.”