The Past Is Past

The hospital room felt quieter now, softer somehow, with just the rhythmic beep of the heart monitor and the distant hum of rain outside.

Alex sat close to Emma, their hands intertwined on the blanket, his thumb gently stroking over her knuckles in a steady rhythm. It was a small comfort, the warmth of his touch anchoring her in the present.

Though they weren't saying anything to each other, the silence wasn't uncomfortable between them.

Emma had thought that after everyone left, she'd feel awkward being alone with Alex but surprisingly, she didn't feel awkward one bit. She was relaxed like it was the most natural feeling and she liked it.

She sighed inwardly when another thought crossed her mind. Margaret and her visit.

She had heard everything Margaret had said and even though she was still hurting from all the pain Jake had caused her, she wanted to let everything go. The past was the past.