I held Luke's hand tightly as we walked down the sterile hospital corridor, the scent of antiseptic and faint floral disinfectant filling the air. He seemed almost frozen, the weight of the last twenty-four hours pressing down on him. His eyes, usually so confident and composed, were dark with worry, and for the first time, I felt the full extent of the burden he carried.
"Luke…" i whispered, squeezing his hand. "You don't have to be strong all at once. You've done enough already."
He shook his head, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Hope, I don't know if being strong matters anymore. I just…" His voice trailed off, caught somewhere between fear and anger at the helplessness he felt. "I can't… I don't know if I made the right choice."
"You did, Luke. You signed the papers because it was the only chance she had. I know it wasn't easy, but it was the right choice." Hope tried to smile, though her own stomach churned with anxiety. "And now… we just wait."
We walked towards a waiting area near the ICU and sat there as the surgeons proceeded with the surgery. The waiting room was quiet except for the occasional shuffle of nurses and the low hum of machines in the distance. Luke sat beside me, his hands clasped tightly together, he kept muttering some words whilst bowing his head. I assumed he was praying. When he was done i spoke
"I can't believe how calm you've been," I said softly, letting my hand rest over his. "You're… remarkable, you know that?"
He gave a small, almost sad smile. "I don't feel remarkable. I feel terrified. What if something goes wrong?"
"You're not alone," I reminded him. "She's strong, and you're here. That's what counts."
He leaned back, letting out a slow breath. "I… I just wish I could do more. Sitting here, waiting, it's unbearable."
I nodded, squeezing his hand. "All you can do is be here. That's more than enough."
We stayed like that for a long while, the silence between us comfortable yet heavy. At times, Luke murmured short prayers under his breath, and I could feel the unease radiating from him. It was rare to see someone like him—usually composed and confident—reduced to this vulnerable state.
Luke finally looked at her, exhaustion and guilt etched deep into his features. "I… I don't know how I'd manage this without you here."
"You won't have to," Hope said softly. "I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere."
They sat in silence, the only sound the quiet hum of the hospital. Luke's foot tapped endlessly, a rhythm of anxiety he couldn't control. Hope observed him, noting the tension in his shoulders, the subtle quiver in his hands.
Minutes passed, each seeming longer than the last. Hope's thoughts drifted to Iyke, and she realized she hadn't updated him. She quietly pulled out her phone and dialed.
"Iyke?" she whispered once he answered. "Hey, I'm fine. You probably tried reaching me earlier… my phone was off."
"Hope?! Thank God. Are you okay? Where are you? What happened?" Iyke's voice was laced with concern, rapid and anxious.
"I'm at the hospital with Luke," Hope explained. "His mother had a seizure and had to undergo emergency surgery."
There was a pause. "Oh no… How is he? How is she?"
"I'll call you in a bit, Iyke," Hope said softly, glancing at Luke, who was nervously rubbing his hands together. "She's in surgery now. We're waiting for the outcome. Luke's handling it as best as he can."
Iyke's voice softened. "You both need to eat something. I'll bring you anything you need tomorrow. Just… be safe."
"Thank you, babe. I love you. Really."
"Love you more. Stay strong."
Hope ended the call and looked at Luke, who had finally closed his eyes, exhausted from the tension. She admired his calmness despite the storm raging inside him. It was remarkable how composed he was, though she knew the weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his shoulders.
Hours seemed to stretch endlessly. Luke finally stirred, awakening from a brief nap. "How long…?" he asked hoarsely.
"Too long," Hope said gently, her hand brushing his. "But you're holding up better than I expected."
Luke managed a weak, grateful smile. "I have to… for her."
The waiting area was quiet, almost eerily so, until a nurse approached them hurriedly. "Mr. Adams… Ms. Hope… your mother is out of surgery, but she's in the ICU for observation. The doctor wants to discuss next steps immediately. Follow me."
Luke stood instantly, alert and tense. "Thank you," he muttered.
Hope walked beside him, and they followed the nurse through the maze of hallways. They reached the ICU door, and the nurse paused. "Only family can enter."
Luke didn't hesitate. He turned to Hope and held her hand. "She's family," he said simply, and they walked in together.
Inside, the doctor greeted them with a grave but professional demeanor. "The surgery was successful in stabilizing her condition, but the cancer has spread further than we anticipated. She will need close monitoring for the next 24 hours. Any complications at this stage could be critical."
Luke swallowed hard, his fingers tightening around Hope's. "So… it's not over?"
"No," the doctor admitted. "We've stabilized her, but the road ahead is still uncertain. You may need to make further decisions regarding additional treatment."
Luke exhaled shakily. "I… I just want her to be okay."
Hope held his gaze. "She will be. Whatever comes next, we face it together."
The tension hung thick in the room, punctuated by the rhythmic beep of monitors and the soft hissing of machines. Luke's exhaustion and worry were palpable, but Hope remained a steady anchor by his side.