Rose POV
The car smelled like chlorine and leftover laughter from the poolside chaos. Rose gripped the steering wheel, hair damp and hoodie half-draped over her shoulders, sunglasses sliding down her nose. She couldn't stop smiling, thinking about everything that happened with Vega.
"Oh my gosh," she muttered to herself, "that was insane. And she totally—ugh, never mind, I'll tell Mum later." She laughed quietly, flicking her hair back and tapping her fingers against the wheel.
The drive home was smooth, the streets quiet and glowing under the streetlights. She imagined telling Liora and Elara every ridiculous, chaotic, hilarious detail — how Vega nearly pushed her in, how everyone screamed, how someone—ugh, never mind, she'd tell them later.
Pulling into the driveway, the house felt warm and familiar, but something in the air made her pause. Inside, the lights glowed softly, but there was an unusual stillness.
"Mom? Elara?" Rose called as she stepped inside, tossing her bag on the couch. The house smelled like home, but there was tension she hadn't noticed before.
Liora stepped forward, lips tight, eyes flicking toward Rose. Elara peeked out from the kitchen doorway, fidgeting nervously.
"Rose… sit down," Liora said softly. Her voice was gentle, but the worry in it made Rose's stomach flip.
"What… what's wrong?" Rose asked, dropping onto the couch.
Her mom sighed, reaching for her hands. "It's… Isla, Kairo's elder sister. She had an accident. It was… bad. They had to operate immediately. She's in a medically induced coma right now."
Rose's heart skipped. She sat frozen for a moment. "A… coma?!" Her voice cracked. "Is she… going to be okay?"
Elara came over and hugged her arm. "We don't know yet… but we'll go to the hospital together."
Rose nodded, finally standing. "Yeah… okay. Let's go. Now."
The drive to the hospital felt heavier than the first. Rose was in the driver's seat, gripping the wheel tightly, Liora in the passenger seat, hands folded nervously, and Elara squished close behind. Every passing streetlight felt sharper, every sound outside louder, echoing the panic and worry she felt inside.
When they pulled into the hospital driveway, the sterile building loomed under the night sky. The familiar antiseptic smell hit her, but tonight it felt sharp and intimidating. Even though she knew every corner of the hospital — after all, her dad, Ren, owned it — tonight it felt overwhelming.
They entered the lobby, and Ren was there immediately, phone in hand, eyes scanning the floor with his usual sharpness. When he spotted them, his expression softened.
"Rose," he said, voice calm but carrying the weight of urgency. "I'm glad you came quickly."
Rose approached, heart hammering. "Dad… Mom said… is it true? Isla… the accident?"
Ren nodded slowly, putting the phone down. "Yes. She was in a severe accident. The surgeons acted immediately. The operation went as well as it could, but she's in a medically induced coma. We're waiting for her to stabilize fully."
Rose's hands clenched, knuckles white on the counter. "She's… strong, right? She'll fight?"
Ren placed a steady hand on her shoulder. "She is strong. And we have the best team, the best equipment… nothing is being left to chance. You have to trust that."
Rose blinked, tears pricking. "I… I'm scared."
Ren nodded. "I know. But fear won't help her. She needs calm, strong support — from you, your mother, your sister, and me. We're all here for her."
Liora stepped closer, resting a hand lightly on Rose's arm. "We'll wait with her. Together."
Elara peeked around nervously, fidgeting, but nodded. "Yeah… together."
Rose let out a shaky breath, letting her parents' steady presence anchor her just enough to cling to hope. She squeezed Ren's hand lightly. "I'll stay… I'll be here."
Ren's eyes softened, a quiet reassurance shining through. "I know you will. That's exactly what Isla needs."
The hallway outside the operation room felt unreal. Rose sat stiffly with Liora and Elara, hands clasped tightly, fidgeting with the hem of her hoodie. Every distant beep or soft footstep echoed through her chest.
Then the doors swung open — Kairo stormed in, face pale, jaw tight, eyes wide in disbelief. He was flanked by Kevin and Kaning, both trying to remain composed for their son.
"She… she's really in there?" Kairo whispered, voice cracking. "Isla…"
Kevin pressed a hand to his shoulder. "We're here, son. We'll wait with you."
Kaning nodded firmly. "The surgeons are doing everything they can. We'll get through this together."
Before Rose could speak, more footsteps echoed — the MJ family arrived. Damien froze mid-step, eyes wide in shock. His best friend, Isla, was in surgery. He couldn't believe it.
"Isla…?" he muttered, voice barely audible. Vega was right behind him, expression tense and worried. Selene stayed close to Damien, gently squeezing his shoulder, while MJ's eyes swept the hallway, taking in the tension.
Rose swallowed hard. "We're all here. She's strong. The doctors are doing everything they can. And we'll wait together," she said softly, glancing at Damien, seeing the disbelief and panic in his eyes.
Damien nodded shakily, gripping Vega's hand.
Then, the Paramaanantra family arrived — Thyme, Gorya, Kael, and Axel. Kael's jaw was tight, eyes fixed on the operation doors. Axel, younger, fidgeted nervously, shifting from foot to foot.
Thyme stepped forward, voice calm but heavy. "We heard. We had to come."
Gorya nodded. "We'll wait together."
Kael clenched his fists, whispering, "I… I can't believe this is happening."
Axel stayed close to his parents, glancing nervously at the other families. "Is… is she going to be okay?" His voice trembled slightly, betraying his worry.
Rose took a deep breath, scanning the room, mentally ticking off names:
Kairo Taemiyaklin, pale and tense
Kevin & Kaning Taemiyaklin, trying to stay strong
Damien MJ, frozen in disbelief
Vega, Selene, MJ, here to support
Thyme & Gorya Paramaanantra, Kael & Axel, standing close together
Liora & Elara, beside her
Even amid the fear and uncertainty, Rose felt a strange comfort — everyone who cared for Isla was here, together. They shared the same hope, the same prayers, the same silent promise to wait.
The hallway fell into a tense silence, broken only by the distant beep of monitors. Every tick of the clock echoed through the space, and Rose whispered her own quiet plea: Come back, Isla. Stay strong