The fireworks were still echoing in the distance when Suzanne's world began to blur.
Her vision swayed — colors melting into one another — and before she could speak, her knees gave out.
"Su!" Ryan caught her instantly, one arm around her waist, holding her close as she trembled. Her skin felt cold, her breath shallow.
"I'm okay…" she murmured weakly. "Just dizzy."
"No, you're not." His voice cracked. "You're burning up."
Her eyelids fluttered. "Don't tell Mom, please."
"Sorry," he said, tightening his grip. "I'm not listening to you this time."
---
He half-carried her to his bike, wrapping his jacket around her shoulders. The streets were almost empty — just the echo of rain beginning to fall.
By the time he reached her house, Suzanne had fallen silent, her head resting against his back.
The door swung open before he could knock.
Mrs. Davis stood there, her face draining of color.
"Suzanne!" she gasped, rushing forward.
Ryan helped her inside, laying her gently on the couch. "She fainted at the festival. Said she was dizzy—"
Mrs. Davis didn't let him finish. She ran to the cabinet, pulling out a small vial and a syringe with shaking hands.
Ryan froze. "What is that?"
Her eyes flicked to him for the briefest moment — realizing what she had just revealed. "Ryan… you should go home."
He swallowed hard. "She's… she's been sick for a while, hasn't she?"
Mrs. Davis's hands trembled as she gave Suzanne the injection. "You know?"
Ryan nodded slowly, his voice barely a whisper. "I saw her at the hospital. Weeks ago."
Her mother looked away, tears shining in her eyes. "She didn't want anyone to know. Not yet."
"I know," Ryan said softly. "That's why I didn't say anything."
Mrs. Davis sank into the chair beside her daughter, brushing a strand of hair from Suzanne's forehead. "She's my little girl, Ryan. Every day I wake up praying she'll see another sunrise."
Ryan's throat tightened. "She will," he said firmly. "She's stronger than anyone I know."
Mrs. Davis looked at him then — really looked at him. The worry, the exhaustion, and the love in his eyes told her everything she needed to know.
"You care for her," she said quietly.
Ryan nodded. "More than I ever thought I could."
---
For a while, they sat in silence — the clock ticking softly, the rain tapping at the window.
Then Suzanne stirred, her eyes fluttering open. "Mom? Ryan?"
"Hey," Ryan whispered, forcing a smile. "You scared us."
She blinked, dazed. "What happened?"
"You fainted. Probably from all the fun," he said lightly. "You overdid it, superstar."
She smiled weakly. "You're still here?"
"Where else would I be?"
Her mother placed a cool hand on Suzanne's forehead. "You rest now, sweetheart."
Suzanne's eyes slowly closed again, her breathing easing into rhythm.
---
As the night deepened, Ryan stood to leave.
Mrs. Davis followed him to the door, her voice trembling but strong.
"Thank you, Ryan. For being there."
He turned back, his voice low. "I'm not going anywhere, Mrs. Davis. Not now. Not ever."
---
That night, under the same rain that had started during the fireworks, Ryan walked home with tears in his eyes.
For the first time, he wasn't just scared — he was determined.
> He couldn't save her from the illness.
But he could give her something even stronger — a reason to keep fighting.
---