The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Nobody dared to answer Anastasia's question.

After being cooped up for days, Anastasia looked pale and haggard. Her lips were blistered, her hair a tangled mess. She was a shadow of her former self, completely drained of energy. Her gaze darted between Salma and Monica, picking up on the unspoken worries in their eyes.

She understood.

"He hasn't woken up, has he?" Her voice was so soft that the breeze carried it away, making it almost inaudible.

Pattie wrapped her arms around Anastasia's waist, looking up with bright, teary eyes. "Mom, I missed you. I was so scared."

Pattie had been terrified for days, afraid her mom wouldn't return and that her dad might be gone forever.noveldrama

She couldn't understand why their once happy home had fallen apart.

Pattie's admission of fear brought tears to Anastasia's eyes. Holding Pattie close, she choked out, "I'm so sorry, baby. Mommy is so sorry."

Unable to hold back any longer, Pattie sobbed, "Mommy, please don't leave me. Mommy."

"I won't leave you, I promise. I'm so sorry, my darling," Anastasia said, hugging Pattie tightly, her apologies mingling with her sobs as mother and daughter cried together.

Salma and Monica couldn't help but feel moved by the scene.

"Let's head back, Ana. Get in the car," Monica suggested.

Wiping away a tear, Salma agreed, "Let's go home."

On the drive back, Pattie clung to Anastasia, fearing she might disappear again. Pattie had always struggled with a sense of insecurity.

When they arrived at the rental, Salma prepared a fire pit outside the door. "Jump over the fire pit, Ana. It'll chase away the bad luck, and good fortune will follow," she said, clinging to an old superstition.

Anastasia stepped over the fire pit and entered the house, which had been her home for years. She felt like Cinderella, who had met her prince and lived in a castle, but now the fairy tale was over, and she was back to her reality. She and he were never from the same world.

Salma said, "Ana, I'll run you a hot bath. Soak and wash away the day."

Monica added, "I bought you some new clothes. Change into something fresh. It's a new beginning. Forget the past."

Pattie ran into the room and came back with a lollipop, "Mom, have this. It'll make your heart feel sweet."

Anastasia had tasted too much bitterness lately. She unwrapped the candy and took a bite, "It's really sweet."

Her friends had been worried about her mental state. They had prepared everything for her return-hot water ready for a bath, a warm meal, clean clothes, and a tidy bed...

In detention, Anastasia had a lot of time to think. Now that she was out, she was ready to start anew. For her mother, for Pattie, for Monica who had always cared for her, she had to pull herself together.

At dinner, Anastasia said thoughtfully, "Mom, Monica, Pattie, don't worry. The Anastasia from now on won't be the same as before. I'll get better."

Why should she have the right to fall apart, to give up?

Hearing this, Salma and Monica felt relieved, and Pattie gave a thumbs up, "Mom, you're the best."

Anastasia allowed herself a rare smile. The ordeal had made her stronger. Her grief and pain would be kept for the solitude of the night; her smiles were for those who cared for her.

In the still of the night, when Salma and Monica were asleep, Anastasia quietly changed her clothes and slipped out the door.

She couldn't rest until she saw Herman. She had to see him, just once more.

Salma and Monica knew her too well.

When Anastasia left, Salma woke up, and Monica's car was already parked at the entrance of the complex. Seeing Anastasia emerge, she waved, "Hop in, Ana. I'll take you there." Touched by Monica's presence, Anastasia felt a lump in her throat. A good friend needs no words. Monica understood her.

Getting into the car, Anastasia said, "I just need to see him for a second, just a glance."

"I got it," Monica replied, "I've already asked around. Katelyn keeps watch at the hospital every day. After eleven, Flynn takes over. I'll find a way to distract Flynn, and you can go see Herman." Anastasia grasped Monica's hand, her lips quivering, "Thank you."

"Don't get all formal with me," Monica chuckled, starting the car.

When they arrived at the hospital, it was just past eleven-thirty. Katelyn had left, and Flynn was inside. Monica went to distract Flynn, while Anastasia entered through another door, sneaking quietly into the ward.