Nick sat unmoving at Yuna's bedside, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest as she finally rested in a sedated sleep. He lightly traced the thick white bandages covering her slender wrists, concealing the self-inflicted wounds beneath.
Though she had survived the suicide attempt, Nick was wracked with worry about what awaited her when she was discharged. She clearly could not go back to her abusive father's house. But her mother had made it clear she didn't want Yuna either.
The door creaked open and Nick's parents entered quietly. His mother's eyes were red-rimmed from weeping after hearing the horrific events that had transpired. They each put a hand on Nick's shoulder, sharing in his somber vigil.
"Son, you need to get some rest," his father finally said gently. Nick just shook his head adamantly and continued staring at Yuna's bandaged wrists, as if he could make the scars disappear through sheer will.
Later that day, when a nurse insisted Nick at least eat something from the cafeteria, his parents pulled him aside. "What's going to happen to her when she's released?" his mother asked, voicing the question consuming Nick's mind.
Nick's jaw tightened. "I won't let her go back to that house. Or anywhere she's in danger. I'm going to take care of her."
His parents shared a look. "She's been through so much trauma already," his mother said sadly, tears shining in her eyes again. His father nodded. "We'll figure this out together."
Nick let out a shaky breath of relief. Of course his parents would help however they could - they loved Yuna like their own daughter. With their support, he knew Yuna would have a safe place to heal from old wounds and start rebuilding her life.
When Yuna finally awoke, Nick was by her side just as he had been for days. He gently explained that she was moving in with his family as soon as the doctors cleared her release.
Though still weak and weary, Yuna managed a small but grateful smile. Just a single kind word from Nick could spark hope again inside her even in the darkest moments. She breathed slowly, truly believing for the first time that the future held light.