Chapter 2: A Fragile Connection

The next morning, Lysander found himself in the hospital's lounge again, his usual spot by the corner window. The sun poured in through the glass, casting a golden glow over the white walls. He didn't know why he was there so early—maybe out of habit, maybe out of something else he couldn't name.

He looked up when he heard the familiar sound of Amara's laughter. She walked in, carrying a small thermos in her hands. Her scarf was a vibrant shade of teal today, bright and cheerful, just like her.

"Good morning, Lysander," she said, as if they'd been friends forever.

Lysander gave her a slight nod, unsure of how to react to her unwavering cheerfulness. She sat down next to him without hesitation, placing the thermos on the table.

"Tea," she explained, noticing his curious glance. "Hospital tea is terrible. I make my own. Want some?"

Lysander shook his head. "I'm fine."

"You say that a lot," she teased, pouring herself a cup. "But I don't think you mean it."

He didn't respond, and the silence hung between them for a moment before Amara broke it.

"So, what's your story?" she asked, taking a sip of her tea.

"My story?"

"Yeah. Everyone has one. Mine's pretty boring—small-town girl with big dreams, ends up with cancer instead. But I bet yours is more interesting."

Lysander hesitated. He wasn't used to sharing, especially not with someone as vibrant as Amara. Yet, something about her made it hard to ignore her questions.

"There's nothing to tell," he said finally.

Amara tilted her head, studying him. "Nothing at all? Not even a dream? A favorite memory?"

Lysander's jaw tightened. "I told you, there's nothing."

Amara frowned but didn't press further. Instead, she leaned back in her chair, her expression softening. "You know, Lysander, I think you're lying. But that's okay. I'll figure you out eventually."

He didn't reply, but her words stayed with him. She had a way of breaking through the walls he'd spent years building, and it unsettled him.

The hours passed, and their conversations grew more casual. Amara talked about her childhood—how she used to climb mango trees in her grandmother's village, how she loved rainy days, and how she dreamed of seeing the mountains. Lysander mostly listened, offering the occasional nod or monosyllabic response.

As the sun began to set, Amara turned to him. "You're really quiet, you know that?"

"I don't have much to say," Lysander replied.

She smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Well, lucky for you, I can talk enough for both of us."

Before she left, she handed him a small, folded piece of paper. "Here. A little something to keep you from getting bored."

Lysander unfolded it after she'd gone. It was a drawing—simple but detailed—a sketch of the hospital balcony where they often sat. In the corner, she'd written in neat handwriting: "For the boy who has nothing to say. Maybe this will inspire you."

For the first time in a long while, Lysander felt a small smile tug at his lips. Amara's energy was infectious, and though he didn't want to admit it, her presence was starting to fill a void he hadn't realized was there.

He tucked the drawing into the back of his magazine, his fingers brushing over the words. Perhaps, he thought, she was right—maybe there's more to say than I've allowed myself to believe.