Yara fidgets next to me, too young to grasp the gravity of it all.
I brush her hair back gently. "Why don't you go get a snack from the vending machine down the hall? Get something for Mr. Agent Morello too for when he wakes up." I can't resist using her adorable name for him. It makes me smile every time I hear her say it, a hint of normalcy and levity amongst the dark storm.
She nods and skips out of the room, comforted by having a task.
Alone now, I scoot closer to Morello, keeping hold of his hand. With my free hand I trace the line of his jaw, rough with stubble, and then smooth back his dark hair from his forehead.
"You have to pull through this," I whisper. "We've been through too much for it to end here."
I think back on our journey, how standoffish I was when he first approached me, and then subsequently when he protected us and masterminded our escape from Gerald.
Slowly, his gruff exterior gave way to playful banter, then meaningful conversations late into the night after Yara fell asleep.
Somewhere along the way, his role transformed from information-seeker to bodyguard to confidant to something more. Something neither of us has dared speak aloud, but which simmers unspoken between us.
I lean in, brushing my lips lightly against his. They're dry and chapped, but the spark is undeniable.
"I'm not ready to say goodbye," I breathe.
His eyes flutter open to meet mine once more.
This time, his squeeze of my hand feels purposeful rather than reflexive.
He's not giving up this fight.
Or on us.
I exhale in relief as Morello's eyes focus on me, conveying a reassuring alertness despite his weakened state.
His lips part slightly, rasping out a barely audible "Alina..."
My name on his lips sends a shiver through me. I smooth his hair back again, needing the contact. "Shh...don't try to talk. Just rest."
His brows furrow in that familiar look of determination as he struggles to speak again.
"Are...are you okay? Is Yara okay?"
His concerns are not for his own condition, but checking on my wellbeing and my daughter's.
So like him.
I nod, blinking back tears. "I'm fine, thanks to you. That was too close of a call."
His eyes cloud with pain and regret. "I'm sorry...I should have..." His voice trails off in a fit of coughing.
I squeeze his hand firmly.
"No. You have nothing to apologize for. You've done so much for us already."
I lean in, speaking earnestly.
"Let me take care of you for once."
The corner of his mouth quirks up slightly. "Yes ma'am."
Relief floods through me at that glimpse of his humor returning. I study his face, this man who has come to mean so much to me, wanting to etch every detail into my memory.
"Get some rest," I say gently. "We'll talk more when you're stronger."