I'm Scared

Mia's vision swam in and out of focus, the world around her spinning. She could feel Alexander's arms around her, lifting her with a strength that only deepened her sense of helplessness. Her chest ached with the effort of breathing, and her mind struggled to grasp the reality of what had just happened.

The helicopter's engines roared in the background, but the noise seemed distant as her body grew heavier and the world around her blurred.

"Stay with me, Mia," Alexander's voice was soft, but urgent. His face was a mask of concern as he leaned over her, trying to keep her conscious. "Just a little longer. You're safe. We're getting out of here."

But the words felt like they were coming from far away. The pain in her chest was growing, and she could feel her consciousness slipping further away.

"Alexander…" she whispered, barely able to form the words. "I'm… I'm scared."

The pain intensified, a coldness spreading through her limbs. Alexander's grip on her tightened, his hands trembling as he tried to steady her.

"I know," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of the chopper. "But you're going to be okay. You're not alone. I won't let anything happen to you."

Her body seemed to betray her, the darkness encroaching on her vision. But she tried to hold on, to remain in the moment with him.

And then, just as her vision began to fade completely, a sharp pain in her abdomen forced her back to reality. It was overwhelming, the sensation of something being wrong, deeper than just physical pain. It wasn't just the exhaustion or the aftereffects of the shock. Something was happening.

"Alexander," she gasped, her hand clutching at her belly, the pain radiating outward. "The baby…"

Her words made his heart stop. He looked down at her, his eyes wide with fear. "Mia, what's happening? What's wrong?"

The sound of her breath came in shallow gasps, and Alexander's entire world seemed to slow. His thoughts became a blur of panic and desperation. He had always been prepared to face any danger, but seeing Mia in pain, seeing her so vulnerable—it shattered him in ways he never thought possible.

"Hold on, Mia. Please hold on," he pleaded, his voice hoarse. He called out to the pilot, his words a frantic rush. "Get us to the nearest hospital, now!"

The chopper picked up speed, the rotor blades cutting through the night air as they flew toward safety. But in that moment, it felt as though time itself had stopped.

Mia's eyes fluttered as she tried to fight against the darkness threatening to claim her. She could hear Alexander's voice, though it sounded far away. She could feel his touch, but it seemed as though she was trapped in a dream she couldn't wake from. The only thing that felt real was the pain in her abdomen, and the overwhelming fear that something was terribly wrong.

And then, as quickly as it had begun, the pain began to subside. The coldness in her limbs faded, and her breathing evened out. But it was too late to ignore what had happened. Something had changed.

Alexander didn't know how long it took, but he never left her side. His hands held her tightly, his presence never wavering, as the helicopter raced toward the hospital. He whispered to her the whole way, trying to keep her calm, trying to make her hold on.

When the helicopter finally touched down, it was chaos. The medical team rushed to meet them, wheeling her into the emergency room as Alexander followed closely behind. His heart was racing, but he could barely feel it. Everything felt muffled, distant, as though he were trapped in some nightmare from which he couldn't escape.

They were separated. The doctors took Mia into a sterile, brightly lit room. And Alexander was left in the cold, empty hallway, pacing anxiously, waiting for answers.

Minutes passed, then hours. His mind reeled with the events of the night. Marco's plans, the mission, the explosion, the sudden pain Mia had experienced. But above all, his mind kept circling back to one thing: the baby. His child. The future he and Mia had been working toward.

He couldn't lose her. Not now, not ever.

At last, a doctor emerged from the room, his face solemn. Alexander's heart skipped a beat, his chest tightening in dread.

"How is she?" Alexander demanded, his voice tight with barely contained anxiety.

The doctor hesitated before speaking, his eyes flicking briefly to the ground. "She's stable for now," he said, "but there's some concern. The trauma Mia endured tonight could have triggered some complications with her pregnancy."

"Complications?" Alexander's breath caught. "What kind of complications? Is the baby…?"

"The baby is fine, but there's a risk of premature labor," the doctor continued, his tone gentle but firm. "We're doing everything we can to keep her stable. But she needs rest and careful monitoring. If she's not kept calm, it could escalate quickly."

Alexander's heart seemed to freeze in his chest. He wanted to ask more, to demand answers, but all he could think about was Mia. His mind flashed back to the pain she had experienced, the terror in her eyes.

"I need to be with her," he said, his voice breaking. "Can I see her?"

The doctor nodded. "Yes, but be gentle. She's been through a lot tonight."

As Alexander walked into the room, he saw Mia lying in the hospital bed, her eyes closed, her breathing slow and steady. She looked fragile, too fragile for someone so strong. His heart clenched in his chest as he sat by her side, taking her hand gently in his.

"I'm here, Mia," he whispered softly, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "You're going to be okay. I'm not going anywhere."

She stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open to meet his. "Alex…" she whispered, her voice weak.

"Shh, don't speak," he murmured, leaning in closer. "Just rest. I'm here."

For a moment, the world outside seemed to disappear, leaving only the two of them. Alexander held her hand tightly, as if it was the only thing keeping him tethered to reality.