HEARTSTRINGS

When doctor Leighton returned to Fay's room, she found a rather odd arrangement.

Everyone was sleeping. Alice and Marilyn on a chair, while Fay and Sophie shared the bed.

She watched the little girl sleep, a whole lot of joy in her eyes.

There was no trace of nightmares. No mumbling in her sleep. No screams, and cries. She was just a peaceful child, sleeping.

Gently, she shut the door, giving them their privacy. As she turned around, she came face to face with Alexander.

Her heart skipped a beat, like it always did whenever she saw him. He was literal perfection in her eyes. From the day she met him as a kid, she knew she'd always adore him.

She had settled into the role of best friend, happily, in hopes that someday, he'd see her as more than that.

But as the days passed, the chances were getting even slimmer. When she saw the way he looked at Fay, her heart sank. She would give an arm for him to look at her that way.