EPILOGUE

4 Weeks Later…

Alex

It's been four weeks. Four weeks since Zoe was shot. The doctors told me she'd wake up within a few days, but here we are, a whole month later, and I'm still holding on to a thread of hope. Every day feels like I'm drowning, fighting for breath, only to be pulled under by the weight of the unknown. Every visit, every hour spent by her side feels like a lifetime, but she's still there, lying motionless in that sterile hospital bed, and I can't do a damn thing to bring her back.

I almost skipped breakfast this morning, my mind already in that sterile white room. But Mum wouldn't let me leave without eating. She always knows how to keep me grounded, even when I'm on the edge.

"Mum, I have to go," I said, rushing to the door.

She handed me a plate of waffles. "Not until you eat, Alex. You've barely eaten the past few days."

I gritted my teeth, wanting nothing more than to rush to Zoe's side. But Mum was relentless. "Fine, I'll eat fast. I'll be out the door in five."

She just smiled and shook her head, sitting down with me.

"How's Zoe?" Mum asked, her voice gentle, but there was that underlying concern. I couldn't hide it, no matter how many times I tried to pretend like everything was fine.

"She's... still not awake. But the doctors think she'll be out of it soon," I told her, keeping my voice steady, even though everything inside me was breaking apart. "I'll be there with her, though. She'll wake up soon. She has to."

Mum gave me that motherly smile, but I saw the worry in her eyes. "Take care of yourself, Alex. You can't help her if you're running on empty. You need rest too."

I nodded. She was right. But I couldn't rest. Not when Zoe was fighting for her life.

After I shoved the last bite of waffle in my mouth, I grabbed my phone and saw my cab had arrived. I quickly shoved the plate aside, grabbing my jacket and rushing out the door.

When I arrived at the hospital, I paid the driver and practically ran up to Zoe's room. I almost tripped over my feet in my rush to get there. As I pushed open the door, Zoe's sister was sitting by her bedside, phone in hand, texting someone.

"Hey," I said, my voice strained.

She looked up, offering me a small smile. "Hi, Alex. You're really eager today, huh?"

I rubbed the back of my neck, trying to cover the nervousness I felt. "Just wanted to check on her. Did the doctor say anything?"

"Not much," she said, her voice quieter now. "They said she could wake up any day. They're hopeful."

I nodded, trying to hold on to that tiny sliver of hope. I stayed silent for a moment before realizing Zoe's sister was still watching me.

"Sorry," I mumbled. "I'm just... I can't think straight when I'm here."

She chuckled softly. "I get it. Go sit with her. I'll leave you two alone."

Zoe's sister walked out of the room, leaving me alone with the girl I'd spent countless hours thinking about, dreaming about. I sat down beside her, my fingers brushing against hers. It's like my touch was the only thing that kept me tethered to the reality that she was still here, still alive. She had to wake up.

The silence was deafening as I sat there, lost in my thoughts. My heart beat in my chest like a drum, each thump a reminder of how helpless I felt. And then, finally, exhaustion overtook me. My eyelids grew heavy, and before I knew it, I was asleep.

Zoe

The sharp pain slices through my head like a knife, a blinding pain that pulls me out of the darkness. My eyes flutter open, everything around me too bright, too blurry. The world doesn't feel real, and I don't understand why it feels like I'm suffocating.

Then I see him.

The guy sitting next to me, his hand tightly gripping mine like he's afraid I'll slip away. He looks familiar, but my brain can't place him.

"Who are you?" I gasp, my voice hoarse, my chest tight with panic. "What happened to me? Why am I here? Why does my head hurt?"

I try to pull away from him, but his grip only tightens. The fear rises in my chest like a tidal wave.

"It's okay, Zoe," the boy says softly, his voice laced with panic. "It's me, Alex. You... you don't remember me?"

The name rings a bell, but everything is a blur. I don't remember this guy, but something about him feels right. Like a piece of me is connected to him, yet I can't recall why.

"Who are you?" I ask again, my heart racing. "What are you doing here? What did you do to me?"

Alex's face falls, the pain in his eyes unmistakable. "Zoe, please... calm down. You got shot in the head. You've been in a coma for four weeks."

I try to remember. I can't. My mind is a blank slate, and all I feel is fear, confusion, and this overwhelming ache in my chest. But his voice is so... familiar, so gentle.

Before I can say anything more, the door bursts open, and the doctors rush in. The noise, the movement, everything is too much. I shut my eyes, trying to block it all out, but it only makes everything worse.

"Zoe," the doctor says, his voice soft, trying to reassure me. "How are you feeling?"

"I don't know. My head hurts. And... where am I?" I whisper, my voice trembling with every word.

"I think it would be best if you could step outside, sir," one of the nurses says, giving Alex a pointed look.

Alex stands up, his hand lingering on mine for a moment before he leaves the room, and I'm left alone with the doctors.

Alex

I feel like I've been punched in the stomach as I watch Zoe struggle to remember me. I never imagined it would be this hard. The doctors promised me she would wake up soon, but I never expected this. Her confusion stings deeper than any wound.

I step outside, my hands trembling as I dial Zoe's family and friends. "She's awake," I say, my voice breaking. I can't hold it in. I've been waiting for this moment for so long, but now that it's here, it feels like a cruel joke.

I collapse into the nearest chair, my phone slipping from my hand as the tears start. I try to wipe them away, but they come faster than I can handle.

Then I hear them. Ava, Leah, and Yash. They're here.

"Where is she? Is she okay?" they ask, each question a blow to my already fragile heart.

"Wait for the doctor," I say, my voice hoarse. "I don't know anything yet."

When the doctor finally appears, I almost run to him, desperate for answers.

Zoe's sister walks in, her face pale with worry. I see the look in her eyes, the same one I have, and it makes the pit in my stomach grow deeper. I don't have answers. I don't know how to make her better.

The doctor gives us his update, but it's all just words. Nothing can fix the way I'm feeling right now. Not until I see Zoe again.

Zoe

When they finally let the others into the room, the world feels heavy. Their faces blur together as I try to focus, as though everything around me is trying to crush me under its weight. I don't know who these people are, but there's something in their eyes. It's not fear. It's not pity. It's... concern. Genuine concern. But when Alex walks through the door, everything changes. Time stops. His presence... It feels like coming home. "Zoe, it's me. It's Alex," he says, his voice trembling. I want to trust him. I want to believe him so badly. But my mind is a labyrinth of confusion, and his words only add to the fog. He sits beside me, his hand gently brushing mine, and he starts telling me about us. About everything that's happened before. Before the shooting, before all the chaos that's blurred together in my mind. He tells me about the fights we had, the moments of joy, of love. He talks about us, but the words don't sink in. They just float in the air like dust particles, suspended in time. Then, something happens. A sharp pain slams into my head, like a jagged knife slicing through my skull. My vision fades, replaced by a high-pitched ringing in my ears. It's unbearable. Everything spins, everything blurs. The pain intensifies, and I feel like I'm falling, like I can't hold on. Images begin to flash in my mind, but they don't come clearly. They're fragmented pieces—us laughing, us sitting together, us fighting... It's all so jumbled, like fragments of a broken mirror. I try to hold on, but my mind feels like it's shattering. The ringing grows louder, the pressure behind my eyes unbearable. My hands fly up to my head, desperate for relief. "Zoe! Zoe, are you okay?" Alex's voice breaks through the chaos, faint but unmistakable. His panic pulls me from the fog, his words piercing through the noise. "What happened? Are you okay?" I try to focus on him, to find a way back. His voice grounds me, even as my vision sways. I squeeze my eyes shut, forcing myself to breathe through the pain. Slowly, the ringing begins to fade, but my head still feels heavy, the world still spinning around me. "Zoe, look at me," Alex says, his voice now trembling with fear. "Please. Talk to me." I open my eyes slowly, blinking against the dizziness. I feel his hand gripping mine, steadying me. And something clicks. "I... I remember you," I whisper, barely able to form the words. The pain hasn't completely gone, but something inside me settles. The fog lifts just enough for me to see clearly. "I remember... us," I say, my voice stronger now. "I... I don't know everything, but I remember... bits and pieces." His face softens, relief flooding his features. But there's still something uncertain in his eyes, like he's afraid to believe it. And before I can say more, the door opens, and the rest of my family and friends pour in. My heart stutters, and I feel a fresh wave of panic. These faces—strangers, familiar but distant. My heart races as they surround me, their eyes filled with so much hope, so much love, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm still too far away. My sister, Ava, is the first to speak. "Zoe, you're awake!" she says, her voice a mixture of relief and disbelief. "How do you feel?" "I... I feel strange," I whisper, my gaze flickering between them all. "I don't... remember everything." Leah, her voice hesitant but kind, asks softly, "Do you remember me, Zoe?" I try to focus, to make sense of the faces in front of me. There's something about Leah, something comforting in her presence, but the details escape me. "I... I remember a little," I say slowly. "It's all kind of... blurry, but I think over time, I'll remember more. It's just... I'm still figuring things out." Yash steps forward next, his hands stuffed in his pockets. "Zoe, it's me, Yash. Do you remember the late-night talks we had? Or when we went out for that stupid movie marathon?" He smiles, but there's a hint of uncertainty behind his eyes. "I... I'm sorry, Yash," I reply, my voice tight with frustration, "but I don't really remember the details. I wish I could, I really do." Alex's hand tightens around mine again, his presence like a steady anchor in the storm of confusion. "It's okay, Zoe. Take your time." I nod, my throat tight as I try to keep the flood of emotions from overwhelming me. The pain in my head has dulled, but the uncertainty in my chest is still there. "I just... I don't know how I'm supposed to feel. Everything feels... off." Ava's voice softens, and she sits next to me. "You're going to be okay, Zoe. We'll all be here for you. We just want you to remember us, but... we'll give you time. We'll wait." I nod, grateful for her kindness. I look around at them all—these faces I should know, faces that should feel like home, but don't. Not yet. "I... I'll try," I say quietly. "I don't remember much, but I want to. I'll work on it." And as they talk among themselves, offering reassurances and support, I feel the weight of everything pressing down on me. But through it all, Alex's presence is the only thing that feels right. He doesn't pressure me. He just stays by my side, quiet, letting me take the time I need. Later that night, as the hospital room quiets down and everyone leaves to give me space, Alex stays behind. He's sitting beside my bed, his face serious, his hand still resting lightly on mine. "You okay?" he asks quietly, his voice a soft whisper in the dim light. I nod, but there's a sadness in my chest that won't go away. "I'm still so... lost. I want to remember everything, Alex. I want to feel whole again. But it's like I'm just... waiting." "You will, Zoe," he says, his voice steady but filled with so much emotion. "You'll get there. And I'll be with you the whole way. No matter how long it takes." I turn to look at him, his face illuminated by the soft light from the hallway. In this moment, I realize just how much he's done for me, how much he's been there for me, even when everything felt like it was falling apart. He hasn't given up on me, even when I've given up on myself. It's in the way he holds my hand, in the way he's not asking for anything from me except time.

"I'm glad you're here," I whisper, my voice small but sincere.

Alex's gaze softens, and he leans in, brushing a gentle kiss across my forehead. "I'll always be here, Zoe. No matter what. We'll figure this out together."

The pain in my head has dulled, but the emotional ache inside me is still there, a weight I can't shake. The memories are still fragmented, floating just out of reach. But in this moment, with Alex here beside me, I feel a sliver of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I'll find my way back to the pieces of myself that are missing.

For now, all I can do is take things one step at a time.

And with Alex's steady presence beside me, I know I don't have to face this alone.

Five Months Later...

Alex

"Happy birthday, sunshine!" I announce, stepping through the door, my gaze immediately locking on Zoe. She's stretched out on the couch, looking effortlessly beautiful, her casual outfit making her seem even more captivating. The moment she spots me, her face lights up with surprise and excitement, like seeing the best gift on her special day.

"Oh my gosh, Alex! When did you get here?" Her voice dances with joy, a sound that fills me with warmth.

"Just now," I reply, my tone teasing. "But enough about that," I add, handing her a carefully wrapped box. "Go get ready. We're going out."

"But what about my parents?" she asks, a flicker of worry crossing her face. "They'll never let me."

"Already taken care of," Zoe's sister says, her voice smooth and reassuring as she enters the room with a smile.

I give her sister a brief nod. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Alex," she responds, smiling back at me warmly.

"I'll leave you two to it," I say with a wink, turning toward the door.

"Bye," Zoe and her sister chorus together, their voices both light and filled with affection. I catch one last glimpse of Zoe's sparkling eyes, a reminder of how she has this effect on me.

As I stand there for a moment, watching Zoe, my heart swells. She doesn't need makeup or fancy clothes to shine; she's a light all on her own. Pulling her into my arms, I brush my lips against her ear, my voice low and tender. "Happy birthday again, sunshine."

Her body melts into mine, and I feel that familiar sense of peace, of home. "Thank you, Alex," she whispers.

I can't resist leaning in for a soft kiss, tasting her lips, the sweetness of vanilla and strawberries blending together like the perfect indulgence. The taste lingers, warm and rich, like something I could savor forever. Her lips are soft, her breath mingling with mine in an intimacy that makes my heart race. Every inch of my body is alive with desire, with a longing that I can never quite put into words.

Reluctantly, I pull away, my chest heavy with emotions I can't explain. "Go get ready," I murmur, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "I'll be waiting."

Zoe

My heart races with excitement as I rush up the stairs. I can barely contain my joy—Alex is here, and we're going out for my birthday. I tear open the box he handed me, and I gasp in disbelief. "Oh my gosh, this dress..." The words escape me in a breathless whisper. It's stunning. The fabric shimmers under the light, soft and elegant, like something pulled from a dream. It's as if the dress was made for me, reflecting the way Alex sees me—beautiful, delicate, and full of light.

The memory of his kiss downstairs fills me with warmth, and a smile tugs at my lips. It was brief, sweet, but in that moment, everything felt right. His love, his care, it was all wrapped up in that kiss. The promise of something deeper. Something lasting.

I rush through getting ready, slipping into the dress. It fits like it was tailored just for me. Standing in front of the mirror, I admire myself, not out of vanity but out of sheer joy. The universe has conspired to make this night perfect, and I feel like a goddess. "This dress was made for me," I whisper, my heart soaring with happiness.

Finishing my makeup, I can't help but take a few selfies, eager to share this moment, but even more eager to share the night with Alex. When I finally descend the stairs, my breath catches. There he is, lounging on the couch, looking impossibly handsome in a sleek black shirt and pants. But it's the necklace he's wearing that catches my attention. I've never seen him wear jewelry before, and somehow, it makes him even more captivating.

His eyes meet mine, and in that instant, the world stops. He's perfect. Every line, every movement—he's my dream come true.

I take a step closer, my feet unsteady with excitement, but he's already on his feet, walking toward me. He pulls me into his arms, his warmth enveloping me. And then his lips find mine—soft, gentle, but holding a depth of emotion that makes my heart leap. The kiss feels like it's something deeper, something more. It's a promise of everything we are—and everything we will be.

"You look absolutely gorgeous, sunshine," he murmurs against my lips, his words sending a shiver down my spine. I can feel the love, the adoration in his voice, and it makes my chest swell.

"Thank you," I breathe out, feeling a warmth flood my entire being.

As he pulls back, his hands resting lightly on my waist, I'm overcome with the sense of completeness, of belonging. "Shall we?" he asks, offering me his hand.

"Yes," I say, my voice a soft whisper of excitement, "but where are we going? I'm dying of curiosity!"

"You'll find out when we get there," he teases, his grin wicked and playful. With a gentle hand, he guides me to the car, opening the door for me as if I were the most precious thing in the world. I slide into the car, my heart fluttering with anticipation.

Alex

I watch as Zoe steps down the stairs, the sight taking my breath away. She's breathtaking in that dress, every curve accentuated, every feature glowing. I can't tear my eyes away from her. My chest tightens with a mixture of love and something deeper, something that makes my heart pound with a force that's almost overwhelming.

Without thinking, I pull her into my arms, my fingers brushing her waist as I kiss her, slow and deliberate. It's not just a kiss—it's a promise. A promise of what we've shared and what we will continue to build together. I pull back just enough to whisper, "You're everything I've ever wanted, Zoe."

Her smile is soft, but it's enough to make my heart race. "Shall we?" I ask, offering her my hand once again.

"Yes, but can you please tell me where we're going?" she asks, her voice teasing yet full of curiosity.

"You'll see," I reply, my grin mischievous as I help her into the car. She looks at me with those wide, bright eyes, and I know without a doubt that I'm the luckiest man in the world.

"So, how was your day?" I ask, trying to keep the conversation light as we drive.

"There's no difference, except for the fact that I'm dying to know where we're going!" she exclaims, her excitement contagious.

I chuckle, reaching into the bag at my side and handing her a small box. "Open it."

Her eyebrows furrow, and she raises one in disbelief. "You've already given me a dress, Alex. What's this?" But the curiosity in her eyes gets the best of her, and she opens it. Inside is a necklace—a simple yet elegant pendant with my name engraved on it.

She stares at it, both surprised and amused. "Seriously?" she laughs. "Why would you give me a necklace with your name on it?"

I grin, my heart pounding. "So everyone knows you're mine."

Her laughter rings out, light and free, before she teasingly asks, "Did you get a necklace with my name on it too?"

"Maybe," I say, trying to hide my grin. "What's wrong with that? People change, sunshine."

"Alright alright," she says with a playful smile. "But can you help me put it on?"

I help her fasten the necklace, my fingers brushing against her skin. The soft touch sends a jolt of electricity through me, and I can't help but feel the intimacy of the moment. Her lips press against my cheek in a sweet kiss, and it feels like home.

As we continue our drive, the conversation drifts, but my mind keeps returning to her—how perfect she is, how lucky I am to have her by my side.

Zoe

When we arrive at our destination, Alex's hand gently covers my eyes, his touch both reassuring and gentle. "Ready?" he asks, his voice filled with excitement and warmth.

I nod eagerly, my heart pounding as he leads me forward.

When he removes the blindfold, I gasp. A garden full of my friends greets me, shouting, "Surprise!" The sheer love and joy in the air hit me like a wave, and I can't stop the tears from springing to my eyes. "Happy birthday, Zoe!" they cheer, and I'm overwhelmed by the sheer amount of love surrounding me.

Ava hands me a gift, and I laugh in surprise. "You didn't have to get me anything," I say, touched by her thoughtfulness.

"You're welcome," she teases, and we share a lighthearted moment.

But it's Alex who has my full attention. His presence is a constant source of warmth, and I can't help but be drawn to him. As the night draws to a close, I pull him aside, my heart full of gratitude.

"Thank you, Alex. For everything," I say, wrapping my arms around him in a tight hug. "You've been there for me through it all. I'm so lucky to have you."

His eyes soften, his smile pure affection. "No need to thank me, Zoe. You're everything to me. I'd do anything for you."

I tease him, unable to resist. "Should I consider myself lucky, then?"

"Whatever you say, sunshine," he laughs, pulling me closer.

I kiss him lightly on the cheek, the warmth of his love surrounding me like a comforting blanket. "You're my everything, Alex," I whisper, and his lips find mine once again. This kiss is different—deeper, more passionate. It's a kiss that seals everything we are.

The taste of him lingers—sweet, intoxicating—and I feel as if the whole world fades away, leaving just the two of us, connected in every possible way.

As we pull away, I rest my head against his chest, content, happy, and completely in love.

The night feels endless, filled with laughter and the promise of forever. And I know deep in my heart—this is just the beginning.