The morning sun filtered softly through the windows of the infirmary, casting warm, golden stripes across the floor. The scent of antiseptic and fresh linen mingled with the faint aroma of the ocean, carried in through the open balcony doors.
Robin sat on the edge of his bed, gripping the mattress, his legs trembling slightly. Fiona stood beside him, her hand gently resting on his arm.
"Okay, Robin… just take it slow," she said softly, eyes full of encouragement. "One step at a time. You can do this."
He nodded, teeth gritted in concentration. The pain was still there, raw and insistent, but the determination in Fiona's gaze gave him strength. "I… I can do this," he whispered.
With her support, Robin took a tentative step forward. His leg shook violently, and he nearly fell, but Fiona caught him instantly. "Yes! That's it!" she cheered, smiling warmly. "You're doing so well!"
He exhaled sharply, a mixture of relief and exhaustion flooding him. "Feels… strange… to walk again," he admitted. "I never thought I'd get back to this."
"You will," Fiona said firmly. "And I'll be here every step of the way."
Her voice, soft yet unwavering, seemed to soothe not only his body but also his spirit. Each step became slightly steadier, each movement more confident. Fiona silently marveled at his resilience, feeling a deep, protective surge rise in her chest. She remembered every hardship, every battle they had faced, and now—this fragile victory—it felt like their shared triumph.
From across the room, she caught sight of the small tablet that had been left on the counter. William family's contact attempts flashed repeatedly, missed calls and unread messages piling up. Fiona frowned, tightening her grip on Robin's arm.
They think they can just call me after abandoning me? she thought bitterly. I am not theirs to claim anymore.
Her mind wandered briefly to Liam, pacing in the distance by the balcony, his jaw tight and eyes restless. Even now, with Robin struggling to stand, Liam's thoughts were only half on the island, half consumed with Fiona's safety and choices. Her heart ached just seeing him, knowing the storm that raged within him.
"Fiona," Robin's voice broke through her reverie, "I… I think I can try without holding you now."
She shook her head, determined. "Not yet. Just a few more steps with me. Let's make sure your legs are ready."
Robin inhaled sharply and nodded again. He took a step—then another—and this time Fiona let her hands hover near him, ready to catch but not holding. His balance wavered, but he managed it.
"Yes, Robin! That's perfect!" Fiona cheered, relief and pride washing over her. A small laugh escaped her, warm and genuine. For a moment, the horrors of the past, the kidnappings, the betrayals, even Liam's obsession—all of it faded, replaced with this small, human victory.
But reality, as always, refused to stay away.
The tablet buzzed again. Another call from the William family. Fiona froze, fists clenching. She glanced at Robin. "I have to ignore them. I… I'm not going back. Not now. Not ever."
Robin nodded, his gaze steady. "You're stronger than you think, Fiona. You decide who belongs in your life."
Fiona swallowed hard, feeling both sadness and relief. Her fingers hovered over the screen, ignoring the flashing names. She had finally chosen the life she wanted—the people she wanted, the home she wanted. Liam, Robin, and this island—they were her family now. The rest could wait. Or perhaps, they could be left behind entirely.
Her eyes softened as she looked at Robin again, still trembling but standing taller than he had this morning. She reached out and squeezed his hand gently. "You're doing amazing," she whispered. "Every step… you're reclaiming yourself. And together, we'll keep moving forward."
Robin smiled, weak but genuine. "Thanks… Fiona. I… I owe you more than I can ever say."
"You don't owe me anything," she replied softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "We're in this together. Always."
From the balcony, Liam watched silently, his fingers tightening around the railing. His heart ached seeing Fiona so gentle, so nurturing with Robin. And yet… he understood. This was the life she chose. And he would respect it. But he would never stop being there, watching, protecting, waiting for the moment she needed him the most.
The sun climbed higher, golden rays spilling over the island, painting their little corner of the world with light. It was a new day. A day of healing, of courage, of slowly stepping back into life. Fiona's life. Robin's life. Their lives.
And Fiona knew, deep in her heart, that she would never let anyone take away her hard-earned peace again—not even her past, not even the William family, not even the ghosts that lingered.
She had survived, she had reclaimed herself, and she would continue to rise. Step by step.