Chapter 50: A Future to Hold On To

The doctor entered the hospital room, flipping through Elias's chart with a small, approving nod. He adjusted his glasses before speaking, his voice calm yet firm.

"Well, Mr. Elias, I must say, you gave us quite the scare."

Elias smirked weakly. "Yeah, I have a habit of doing that."

Lani shot him a glare. "That's not funny."

The doctor chuckled. "She's right. But, on a serious note, the surgery was successful. Your body is responding well to the transplant, and with proper care and lifestyle adjustments, you should have at least another 20 years ahead of you."

Lani gasped softly, her eyes widening with disbelief.

"Twenty years?" she repeated, as if trying to confirm it wasn't some cruel joke.

The doctor nodded. "That's the estimate, assuming you follow post-surgery instructions and take care of yourself."

Lily clapped her hands excitedly. "That's a long time, Daddy! You'll be with us forever!"

Elias looked at her, then at Lani, then at everyone in the room. His chest felt tight, but this time, it wasn't from pain—it was from pure relief.

He wasn't dying.

He actually had a future.

Luca, who had been quiet, crossed his arms. "Does that mean you can come home now?"

The doctor shook his head. "Not just yet. He needs to stay in the hospital for at least a few more weeks for monitoring. His body needs time to fully adjust to the new heart."

Lani nodded firmly. "That's fine. Whatever it takes."

Elias groaned playfully. "Great, more hospital food."

Leo snorted. "Bro, you almost died, and you're worried about food?"

Elias smirked. "You clearly haven't tasted hospital food, kid."

Lily giggled, hugging his arm again. "I don't care where you are, as long as you're still here."

Elias softened, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"I'm not going anywhere, princess."

Lani exhaled, rubbing her temples. "Good, because if you even think about pulling something reckless again, I swear—"

"I know, I know," Elias interrupted with a teasing grin. "You'll kill me yourself."

Lani narrowed her eyes. "Damn right."

The doctor laughed. "It's good to see you in high spirits. Keep that attitude up—it'll help with recovery."

Elias nodded, feeling something he hadn't felt in a long time.

Hope.

For the first time, his future wasn't just an empty void.

He had time.

And most importantly—he had people to share it with.

Elias lay back against the hospital bed, his body exhausted but his heart—his new heart—steady and strong. He had spent so long expecting his time to run out that hearing he had years ahead of him still felt surreal.

Lily was still latched onto his arm, her small hands gripping him like she was afraid he'd disappear if she let go. Her eyes were bright, but Elias could see the traces of exhaustion in them. She hadn't slept much—none of them had.

Luca, sitting on the couch near the window, was quieter than usual, arms crossed as he stared outside. Leo was leaning against the wall, watching Elias with an unreadable expression, while Olivia sat next to Lani, who had her face buried in her hands as if the stress of the past few weeks had finally caught up to her.

Elias exhaled deeply.

"So," he said, trying to break the silence, "who's ready to break me out of here?"

Lily giggled. "Daddy, you can't leave yet!"

Luca scoffed. "Obviously. The doctor just said you need to stay for weeks."

Elias smirked. "You say that like I listen to doctors."

Lani's head snapped up, her eyes flashing dangerously. "Elias. Don't you dare."

Olivia smirked. "Yeah, let's not have a repeat of the time you tried to leave after your first check-up. Pretty sure Lani almost killed you."

"I would have killed him," Lani muttered, glaring at Elias. "And I still might if he tries anything stupid."

Elias held up his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, I'll behave."

Lily tugged on his sleeve. "Promise?"

Elias looked down at her, his heart squeezing at the pure trust in her eyes. He nodded. "Promise."

Lily grinned, satisfied.

Leo finally pushed off the wall, crossing his arms. "So… what now?"

Elias took a moment to think. What now?

His entire life had been a countdown, every decision made with the knowledge that he didn't have much time left. But now… now he had time.

For the first time, he could actually plan a future.

"I guess… I get better," he said slowly. "And then we go home."

Luca turned to him then, really looking at him. "Home?"

Elias hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. Home."

A flicker of emotion crossed Luca's face before he quickly turned away, but Elias saw it.

Lily, on the other hand, had no problem showing her excitement. She climbed onto the bed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I can't wait for you to come home!"

Elias hugged her back gently, his throat tight.

Lani watched the exchange, her eyes softening as she leaned back against her chair. She had fought so hard for this, for him, and now that he was going to be okay, she could finally breathe.

The road ahead wouldn't be easy. Recovery would take time, and Elias still had to take care of himself, something he wasn't exactly great at.

But for the first time, they weren't fighting against time.

They had time.

And together, they would make the most of it.

To be continued…