CHAPTER 15

(Ezra's POV)

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I embraced my parents at the hospital entrance, my emotions too overwhelming to contain. Their loving presence provided a comforting anchor in the midst of the chaos that had engulfed our lives.

"I can't believe all this happened," I choked out, my voice trembling. "I feel like it's my fault."

My parents, ever the pillars of strength, held me tight, soothing me with their words. "Ezra, none of this is your fault," my dad reassured me, his voice calm yet firm. "The blame rests solely on Emery's father, who did this to his own child."

Their unwavering support gave me a glimmer of hope in the darkest of times. As we took our seats in the hospital waiting area, I recounted the horrifying ordeal I had witnessed at Emery's home. I described the fight between me and her father, the call to 911, and the arrival of the police and paramedics.

My mom's eyes glistened with sympathy and understanding. "We'll do whatever it takes to support Emery through this," she promised, reaching for her phone to make an important call.

After a brief conversation with an attorney she knew, my mom returned with reassuring news. "Ezra, we've got a lawyer ready to help Emery," she said, her voice filled with determination. "We'll make sure she gets the justice she deserves."

I breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for the unwavering love and support my parents were extending to Emery. We now had an ally in the legal battle that lay ahead.

Time seemed to blur as we waited for news about Emery's condition. The doctor finally emerged from the emergency room, asking for family members. I spoke up, sharing Emery's situation, and he gave us an update.

Emery had sustained injuries, including a broken leg, broken ribs, a bruised neck, and a black eye. Although nothing was life-threatening, she needed time to heal. The doctor offered detailed instructions for managing the bruise, and Emery would be released from the hospital the following day.

"The bruise on her eye can be treated with ice," the doctor explained. "Apply ice for 10 to 20 minutes, a few times a day for up to 48 hours. Make sure not to put the ice directly on the bruised area."

"The broken leg is in a cast, and she'll need to be on bed rest for six weeks," he continued. "We'll bring her back for a checkup on the fourth week to assess her progress."

"Should there be any swelling," he added, "use a compress, but be careful not to cut off circulation. The most important thing is for her to rest and recover."

We felt relief wash over us as we received this news. I thanked the doctor for his care and reassurance, and we headed into Emery's room to see her. Our eyes met, and her voice trembled as she expressed gratitude and guilt for the trouble she believed she had caused my parents.

My mom and dad approached her bed, sharing comforting words. "Emery, you are not a burden. We care about you, and we want you to get better," my mom told her. The fact that my parents had already covered her hospital bills seemed to ease some of Emery's concerns.

With their reassurances, my parents excused themselves, promising to return the next day with fresh clothes and breakfast. They kissed both of us on the forehead, leaving Emery and me alone in the room.

As I closed the door behind them, I took a seat beside Emery's bed. I held her hand gently, feeling the warmth of her fingers. My heart swelled with love and concern as I gazed at her, our emotions too profound for words. I leaned in, pressing soft kisses to the front and back of her hand.

Emery's sobs gradually subsided, and her eyes grew heavy with fatigue. Apologizing for the trouble she believed she had caused, she also expressed gratitude for my parents' kindness and support.

With my voice filled with love and tenderness, I whispered to her as she teetered on the edge of sleep, "You're not a burden, Emery. We'll get through this together. I love you."

As the night deepened, I took the chair beside her, never letting go of her hand. With my heart brimming with love, I whispered "I love you" once more, watching over her as we both drifted into much-needed sleep.