Alana's pov
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the beach as Kael and I enjoyed the late afternoon. We had built a small sandcastle, laughing and teasing each other over our ridiculous designs. For a moment, the weight of Kael's condition felt distant, overshadowed by our playful banter and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.
"Look, Alana! It's a mermaid castle!" Kael exclaimed, gesturing to our half-finished creation.
I giggled, trying to suppress a smile. "More like a sand disaster!"
But just as I leaned in to add the final touches to our masterpiece, I noticed Kael's smile falter. His face grew pale, and the sparkle in his eyes dimmed.
"Kael?" I asked, my voice laced with concern. "Are you okay?"
"I'm just… a bit tired," he replied, but the way he spoke felt off. It lacked its usual lightness.
Before I could respond, he staggered back, clutching his stomach. My heart dropped as he collapsed onto the sand, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. "Kael!" I screamed, rushing to his side.
Panic surged through me as I knelt beside him, cradling his head in my lap. "Please, wake up!" I pleaded, feeling helpless as his eyes fluttered shut.
I fumbled for my phone, my hands shaking as I dialed the professor's number. "Please, come quickly! Kael needs help!"
Within minutes, Professor Bennett arrived, urgency etched on his face. He knelt beside us, assessing Kael's condition. "What happened?"
"He just fainted. There was blood…" My voice trembled as I gestured helplessly at Kael's still form.
The professor quickly pulled out a small medical kit, administering a dose of medicine while I held Kael's hand, desperate for him to wake up. "Stay with me, Kael," I whispered, my heart aching. "Please, come back to me."
Time felt suspended as we waited, the waves crashing in the background like the ticking of a clock. After what felt like an eternity, Kael stirred, his eyes fluttering open. "Alana?" he croaked, his voice barely audible.
"I'm here," I replied, tears of relief streaming down my cheeks. "You scared me."
"Is it bad?" he asked, trying to sit up, but the professor gently pushed him back down.
"You need to rest," Professor Bennett instructed. "Your body is weak. We'll monitor you closely."
Kael's gaze drifted back to me, his expression a mix of fear and determination. "I'll be okay," he whispered, but I could see the worry etched on his face.
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