The Rain That Brought Peace

The hospital was quiet but filled with warmth as everyone waited for Nora to wake. Catalina and Aveline were seated in the waiting area, along with little Sora and Frya. Everyone had gathered after the chaos, unable to rest until Nora opened her eyes.

Inside the hospital room, Nora remained sound asleep. Asher sat beside her, holding her tightly, as if letting go would make her disappear. His grip was firm, his expression unreadable. Zayan entered the room quietly, noticing the way Asher clung to her.

He approached slowly.

"Asher?" he called gently.

Asher looked up, eyes red.

"Come on, let go for now," Zayan urged, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We'll be back soon. I've already tightened her security—no one's getting near her."

Asher hesitated but nodded, finally standing and releasing her. He followed Zayan out silently, leaving behind guards posted carefully around her door.

An hour later, Nora stirred.

She let out a loud yawn, groaning softly as she stretched. But her back ached—sharply, deeply.

She sat up, swinging her legs off the bed. Her expression twisted in discomfort as she walked out into the hallway. Guards were posted everywhere.

"Mrs. Nora, do you need something?" one of the guards asked, stepping forward.

"My back hurts. I need to see the doctor," she replied, rubbing her lower back.

"Understood. Let's go." Two guards followed behind her as she made her way to the medical wing.

Inside the clinic, Kyomi, Aaila, and Imara were chatting quietly when Nora entered.

"Nora?" Aaila said in surprise.

"My back hurts," she said. "And it feels wet."

Imara gently lifted her hospital gown, and her eyes widened. "She's bleeding. A lot."

Aaila sprang into action. "She doesn't have spare clothes. I'll call Asher."

She pulled out her phone.

"Hey," she said when Asher picked up. "Can you bring Nora some clean clothes? The ones here are stained with blood."

"Okay," came Asher's soft, low reply. He sounded tired. Sad.

A few minutes later, Nora stood by the window, gazing out dreamily. Suddenly, she lit up.

"Hey look! It's Ash!" she said, clapping her hands like a child.

Asher walked into the room, carrying a bag. He smiled when he saw her excitement.

"Here are your clothes. I also brought food. You hungry?"

Nora nodded eagerly. "Hmhmhm."

Aaila helped her change and tied her hair up in a messy bun.

"I wanna change my hair color," Nora said suddenly.

Asher and Aaila turned at the same time. "Why?"

Nora smirked playfully. "Ooooooh… you both like each other." She clapped her hands together mischievously.

Asher turned to the window with a shy smile, and Aaila blushed deeply.

Asher walked over and held Nora's hands gently. "Let's get you back to your room."

She followed, sitting on a chair instead of the bed. "Tired of lying down," she said with a pout.

"Where's Z?" she asked.

"He'll be here soon. He's cleaning up some things."

Back in Aaila's office, she sat beside Asher.

"You okay?" she asked softly.

He nodded, barely. "Yeah… I'm fine."

She rubbed his back gently. "Hey… she's fine now, Asher. The wounds will heal soon."

"She protected me… she died… and came back," he whispered. "She almost left us. She's not my real mother, but… she is my mother, you know? If she hadn't made it…"

His voice cracked, and he bowed his head.

"She's okay," Aaila whispered, pulling him into a hug.

Zayan entered the room moments later and stopped at the sight in front of him.

Nora was spinning in the chair, arms spread out, laughing.

"YAYYYYYYY!!" she cheered.

"Nora!" Zayan rushed forward and grabbed the chair. "Are you fucking kidding me?!"

"It was a little fun," she said innocently. "Plus, it spins really well."

Zayan gave her a hard stare, fighting his smile. But her innocence won, and he sighed.

"You're really impossible," he muttered, ruffling her hair.

She giggled and patted his head in return.

"Z? Can I change my hair color?" she asked suddenly.

Zayan raised a brow. "Why? You don't like your golden-brown hair?"

"Nope! It's old. I want something new, please?"

Zayan looked at her face—her bright, hopeful eyes.

"Alright, alright. I'll book the appointment."

"YAYYYY!" she beamed, then tugged on his ear. "But no big money, okay? Just £50."

Zayan nodded with a sly grin. He knew very well it would cost way more than that.

Later that evening, the rain started to fall. Soft, rhythmic. Zayan dozed off beside Nora, his head leaning on her shoulder. But she remained wide awake, staring out the window.

Suddenly, she pointed. "Ash?"

Asher, who had just walked in, looked up.

"Those kids… out in the rain. No shelter. Please, take them to the orphanage."

He followed her gaze—two small figures, shivering under the rain.

"I've been watching them since I came," she said softly.

Asher nodded. "Sure. I will."

"Thank you, Ash." She smiled faintly and finally closed her eyes.

Asher rushed out and found the children, bringing them to the nearest orphanage. When he returned, soaked but satisfied, he saw Nora sleeping peacefully. A small, genuine smile graced his lips as he lay down beside her.