The nurse held my hand firmly, guiding me into the hospital. She led me to have my injuries examined.
"It's nothing serious, just superficial wounds. But judging by her mental state, it might be best to take her to the psychiatric department," the doctor advised after dressing my wounds.
The nurse then gently took my hand and steered me towards the psychiatric wing. I remained silent during the entire walk.
"Nurse, could you take me to the emergency room entrance instead?" My voice was faint, almost ethereal, even to my own ears. I stared blankly ahead, lost in thought.
She nodded and led me towards the emergency room. When we arrived outside, my mind felt empty. I sat on a bench and gazed at the crimson glow of the emergency room's light. Images of endless blood flashed through my mind, a relentless tide pressing on my spirit.
As time ticked away, the tension within me tightened like a string ready to snap. I knew that if it broke, there would be no turning back. Memories of Chu Qingci surfaced, vivid and bittersweet—our first encounter when he ignored my greeting, the time he caught me when I stumbled in the corridor, his heartfelt confession beneath the dazzling fireworks on New Year's Eve, and the playful teasing during today's movie.
Cold indifference, shy tenderness, radiant smiles, and unspoken understanding—all our moments together replayed like a fading film reel. The scenes dissolved, leaving me staring out the window. Gentle rain fell, blurring the horizon.
Why must love always end in separation?
A sudden "ding" pulled me from my thoughts. I turned towards the emergency room, where the light flickered green. Rising unsteadily, I made my way to the door, my heart pounding with dread.
The doctor emerged, shaking his head slightly, his expression unreadable. Panic surged within me.
Just as I was about to reach him, darkness engulfed me. I faintly heard the nurse calling for help before losing consciousness entirely.
When I awoke, indistinct voices and the hum of medical equipment filled the air. I couldn't make out the words; my heart felt as though it had already succumbed to despair.
Just as I thought I would be lost in this darkness forever, distant voices reached me, tender and persistent, like a trickling stream easing my mind.
"Shen Jia, didn't we tell you to stay calm and composed no matter what happens?" It was He Yu's voice, soft and soothing, like a balm for my weary soul.
Another familiar voice followed. "Jiajia, I told you everything would pass. Beyond the darkness, there's always light." Tears welled up in my eyes at the sound.
"Jiajia, you must overcome this. I know it's hard, but I'll wait for you—no matter how long it takes. Fate cannot keep us apart."
The voices faded, and I gradually regained awareness. Sitting up slowly, I stepped out of the bed and wandered into the adjacent room.
There lay Chu Qingci. His eyes were closed, dark strands of hair framing his pale face. He looked as fragile as a porcelain doll, his lips bloodless, his body connected to a tangle of tubes and machines.
My gaze was drawn to the heart monitor, its steady beeping a lifeline. Relief washed over me as I saw the rhythm of his heartbeat.
Overwhelmed, I leaned against the doorframe, whispering, "So that's how it is. Thank goodness... so that's how it is." Tears streaked down my face.
Before I could process it all, dizziness overtook me again. I heard soft murmurs nearby.
"Dr. He, is Shen Jia waking up?"
"Yes," replied the familiar voice warmly. "The hypnosis is over. Judging by her response, it was a success."
Opening my eyes, I was met with Chu Qingci's familiar features. Tears cascaded uncontrollably as I looked at him.
"Chu Qingci, so this is how it is," I murmured, my voice trembling. "The movie we watched—it was our story. No wonder it felt so familiar. Chu Qingci, it was always you. And thank goodness you're alive. Thank goodness you stayed."
Overcome with emotion, I buried my face in his chest, sobbing uncontrollably. He held me tightly, his tears mingling with mine.
"Shen Jia," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion, "I've waited for you."
He kissed my brow, and after ensuring everything was in order, we bid Dr. He farewell and left the clinic.
Hand in hand, we walked towards the setting sun. Our silhouettes blended into the fading light, a testament to a love that weathered every storm.
From then on, through the changing seasons and the trials of life, we remained steadfast, inseparable.
This story is dedicated to all those who dare to love and hope. Amid life's countless challenges, may we cherish every connection and never lose faith. The darkness will pass, and the stars will shine eternal.