chapter 19: A mind in chaos

I woke up in the hospital room, feeling tired. Andrew was still sleeping. I got a towel and gently wiped the sweat from his face and neck. He stirred a little, but didn't wake up.

I was hungry, so I decided to go get something to eat. I left the room, hoping Andrew would still be asleep when I got back.

In the cafeteria, I got a sandwich and coffee. I sat by the window, eating and thinking about Andrew. I felt sad, but I knew I had to be strong for him.

As I looked out at the city, I wondered what would happen next. But for now, I just focused on the present and prayed that Andrew would get better soon.

I walked back into the hospital room, feeling nervous. Andrew was awake, looking right at me. I couldn't say a word.

We stared at each other for a moment, the machines beeping around us. Andrew's eyes locked onto mine, and I saw a glimmer of recognition.

He whispered my name, "Emily..." His eyes searched mine, looking for answers.

I tried to speak, but my voice was stuck. My eyes welled up with tears. I couldn't say a word.

I just stood there, frozen, as Andrew looked at me with a mix of confusion and longing.

"Emily, what's wrong?" Andrew's voice was weak but laced with concern. He struggled to sit up, his eyes fixed on mine, searching for answers.

I felt a lump form in my throat as I tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come. I shook my head, trying to clear the emotions that were clouding my mind.

Andrew's face fell, his eyes filling with worry. "Emily, please," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "Tell me what's wrong."

brushing against my ear. "I love you, Emily," he whispered, his breath sending shivers down my spine.

I couldn't help but tease him back, "You're sick and you still got the strength to kiss me?" I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Andrew chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'll always have strength for that," he said, his voice filled with conviction.

As soon as Anthony left for work, Andrew turned to me, his eyes locking onto mine with a deep intensity. He squeezed my hand, his grip warm and gentle.

I took a deep breath, my anger and hurt boiling over. "What is your sickness?" I demanded, my voice rising. "Why were you behaving strange and why didn't you tell me?"

Andrew's expression faltered, his eyes darting away from mine. He hesitated, his fingers fidgeting with the remote control.

"I...I didn't want to burden you," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Burden me?" I repeated, my anger flaring. "You're my boyfriend, Andrew. I have a right to know what's going on with you."

his fingers wrapping around them like a vice. I tried to struggle, but he held me firm.

"Emily, you promised not to leave me," he said, his voice low and menacing. "Please don't. I want you, and I can't control it."

I felt a chill run down my spine as I realized the true extent of Andrew's obsession. His eyes had taken on a wild, almost feral glint, and his grip on my wrists was like a trap.

He pulled back, his eyes filled with a mix of desire and torment. I could see the conflict within him, the battle between his love for me and the darkness that haunted him.

"Why?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Andrew's gaze dropped, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "Because I don't want to hurt you, Emily. I don't want to lose control and hurt you again."

I felt a pang of sadness, knowing that his past still lingered, still haunted him. But I also saw the sincerity in his eyes, the determination to protect me from himself.

"It's okay, Andrew," I said, my hand reaching out to touch his face. "I'm not afraid of you. I want to help you through this.