Chapter 268: Life is Too Fragile for Unfinished Conversations

Ash’s POV

I smiled faintly, letting myself look at the people around me....Alia’s purple hair, Marcus pretending not to cry, June’s laughter, mom’s smile...

And I felt... grateful.

Grateful for them. Grateful for the chance to see mom again. Grateful for Dominic’s help, even if he wasn’t my favorite person at the moment.

Mom looked smaller in the hospital bed. But she was smiling.

Alia was sitting beside her, explaining something with dramatic hand gestures.

"...and then June literally said I looked iconic," she declared proudly.

Mom laughed softly, touching her hair again. "You do look iconic."

June sat on the other side of the bed, helping adjust Mom’s pillow.

Marcus stood near the window at first, awkward as always when emotions were involved. But eventually he cleared his throat.

"I moved schools too," he said casually.

Mom blinked. "You did?"

"Yeah. Needed a fresh start." He smiled softly. "Now, I’m popular."

June snorted.

Mom smiled gently. "Are you happy?"

Marcus hesitated. Then nodded. "Yeah. I think I am."

They all took turns updating her.

And I just sat there, watching them.

Watching life continue. Watching her breathe.

All thanks to Dominic.

I know I’m not really cool with him right now. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

But these past months... I learned a lot being with him.

About patience.

About loving someone even when everything feels like it’s collapsing.

He helped with the hospital bills without telling anyone.

Stayed with me all night during her surgery.

Held my hand when the doctor said "complications."

I wouldn’t have survived it alone.

With June, Marcus, Alia, The nurses, Dr. Sean.

Everyone held me together when I was falling apart.

I exhaled and tilted my head, trying to focus. I was lost in thought that I didn’t even notice June tapping my shoulder gently.

"Ash... earth to Ash," she whispered, nudging me softly.

"Hm?"

"What about Dominic?" Alia turned to me.

My chest tightened slightly. "What about him?"

June and Marcus exchanged a look.

Alia sat up straighter. "I told Mom about him."

"You what?"

Mom looked at me softly.

"He sounds important," she said gently.

I swallowed. "He’s... complicated."

June gave me a look. "That’s one word for it."

Marcus leaned against the wall. "Technically, Alia here told your mom everything."

"Not everything!" Alia defended. "I didn’t tell mom about them kis...."

June glared at her. "Alia!"

"What?" she said dramatically.

Mom’s fingers brushed mine.

"Ash," she said quietly. "I want to meet him."

The room went still.

June didn’t interrupt.

Marcus didn’t joke.

Even purple haired Alia was quiet.

"Why?" I asked carefully.

Mom smiled faintly. "Because anyone who stayed with my son through something like this... matters to me."

My throat felt tight again.

"It’s not that simple mom," I admitted.

"Is he a bad person?" she asked.

"No."

"Did he hurt you?"

I hesitated.

June shifted slightly beside Mom, giving me a subtle look. She didn’t push, but the silence made me feel every ounce of my guilt and confusion.

"...Yes."

Mom nodded slowly. "And did he stay?"

That question hit differently.

Because yes.

Even when we weren’t speaking properly.

Even when I pushed him away.

He stayed.

"He did," I said quietly.

Mom squeezed my hand weakly. "Then I’d like to thank him."

Alia grinned triumphantly. "See?"

Marcus sighed. "Here we go."

June looked at me carefully. "You don’t have to decide now."

My heart did something stupid at that.

Mom watched my face, and smiled again.

"Ash," she said gently, "I almost didn’t wake up."

"And the first thing I saw was all of you. Together."

Her fingers brushed Alia’s purple hair again.

"Life is too fragile for unfinished conversations."

June looked down. Marcus cleared his throat.

I stared at the floor.

Because she was right.

"I don’t know if I’m ready," I admitted.

"That’s okay," Mom said. "Just don’t wait so long that you don’t get the chance."

Alia leaned against me. "I miss him."

I closed my eyes and let out a quiet laugh that was more like a sigh. "I do too," I whispered.

—-

I stepped out of the room, closing the door softly behind me. The laughter and chatter from Mom’s room drifted faintly.

I sank into a chair in the quiet hallway, staring at a photo of me and Dominic laughing together months ago.

How was it possible to be happy and so frustrated at the same time?

June came over quietly, sitting beside me. She didn’t say anything at first, just let me breathe.

"How are you holding up?" she asked softly.

I let out a shaky laugh. "Honestly...i don’t know. I’m... I’m happy Mom’s awake, but I also feel... weird."

June smiled softly, brushing her hands on mine. "You’re allowed to feel that. You’ve been carrying so much."

"I know," I muttered. "I just... I don’t know how to process that I’m mad at Dom but I also... need him. He was there for me in ways I can’t even explain. And I..." I stopped myself,

"It’s okay to admit it, Ash. You don’t have to solve it all right now."

I leaned back, letting my head fall against the wall. "I just... I don’t know if I I want to see him... or if seeing him will just make everything worse."

She nudged me gently with her shoulder. "Then don’t see him yet. Just... breathe. And don’t bottle it all up."

I let out a shaky breath, nodding. "Yeah, i guess."

She hesitated for a second, then laughed softly. "You know... if it makes you feel better, I think he’s probably sitting somewhere right now, plotting how to make you forgive him again. Typical Dominic."

I couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped me. "God... i miss his smile."

"He probably hasn’t smiled since," she added. "Life really is complicated."

The truth was unavoidable. He had been my anchor when everything was falling apart. And I hated how much I owed him.

June’s voice softened. "Whatever happens, Ash... you’ve survived a lot. You’ll get through this too. Just... don’t let pride or anger stop you from seeing someone who genuinely cares."

"I...I don’t even know what I’m going to say to him. Or if I can say anything at all."

June nodded, resting her hand on my shoulder. "You’ll figure it out.. whatever decision you make, you’re not alone."

I opened my eyes and gave a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Juney. I really needed that."

She nudged me again. "So... does this mean you’re going to forgive him, or are you still going to sulk here forever?"

I laughed softly. "I’ll figure it out. Eventually."

June leaned back. "Good. And in the meantime... Mom’s awake. Alia’s happy. Life’s moving. I forgot to bring dad’s pancakes."

I let out a chuckle, staring at the floor. Part of me still ached for the conversation I hadn’t had with Dominic. And I knew... I’d have to face it eventually.