3:A ROSE FOR IVY

After Dr. Thompson left, the room settled into a quiet calm. Ivy's family stayed close, their presence a comforting reminder that she was not alone. They talked softly, sharing stories and updates from the past few days. The minutes ticked by, and Ivy found herself drifting in and out of the conversation, her thoughts a mix of gratitude and exhaustion.

Almost an hour later, the door to her room creaked open again. Ivy's heart skipped a beat as she saw Jake standing there, a single rose in his hand. His face was a canvas of mixed emotions—worry, relief, happiness—all blending together as he saw her awake and alert.

"Ivy," he breathed, stepping into the room. His eyes were filled with concern, but there was a spark of joy in them as well.

Ivy's face lit up at the sight of him. "Jake," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

Jake crossed the room in a few quick strides and leaned down to kiss her forehead gently. "How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice soft but edged with worry.

"I'm okay," Ivy replied, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Better now that you're here."

Jake smiled, a mixture of relief and love in his expression. He handed her the rose, its delicate petals a vibrant red. "I brought you this," he said, his voice tender. "I thought it might brighten your day."

Ivy took the rose, her fingers brushing against his as she did. "It's beautiful," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you."

Jake turned to greet Ivy's parents. "Mr. and Mrs. Anderson," he said respectfully, nodding to each of them. "Liam," he added with a warm smile for Ivy's little brother.

Liam grinned back, clearly happy to see Jake. "Hey, Jake!" he said, his voice full of excitement.

David nodded back, his expression softening. "Thank you for being here, Jake."

Elena smiled, though her eyes still held a trace of worry. "It's good to see you, Jake."

Jake pulled up a chair and sat beside Ivy, taking her hand in his. "I was so scared when you collapsed," he admitted, his voice trembling slightly. "I didn't know what to do. I just wanted to make sure you were safe."

Ivy squeezed his hand, her heart swelling with love for him. "You did everything right, Jake. You got me help, and you called my parents. I'm so grateful for you."

Jake looked down at their intertwined hands, his thumb gently stroking her skin. "I just want you to be okay, Ivy. I can't imagine my life without you."

Ivy felt a tear slip down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away. "I'm going to be okay," she said, her voice filled with determination. "I have to be. For you, for my family, and for myself."

Jake leaned in and kissed her forehead again, his lips lingering for a moment. "We're all here for you, Ivy. You're not alone in this."

Ivy nodded, feeling a renewed sense of strength. With Jake by her side, she knew she could face whatever challenges lay ahead. The rose in her hand was a symbol of hope and love, a reminder that even in the darkest times, there was beauty to be found.

Not long after Jake arrived, Elena stood up. "We need to go home and bring some of your things, Ivy, including your mobile phone," she said, leaning down to place a gentle kiss on Ivy's forehead. "We'll be back soon."

David hugged Ivy tightly. "We'll be back before you know it, sweetheart. Just rest and take it easy."

Liam wasn't left out. He climbed onto the bed and gave Ivy a big hug. "I'll see you soon, Ivy," he said, his voice full of warmth.

Ivy watched as her family left the room, feeling a mix of emotions. She was grateful for their love and support, and she knew they would be back soon. For now, she was content to have Jake by her side.

Jake, with his neatly styled brown hair in a textured side-swept look, and his striking green eyes, was the picture of handsomeness. His hair, styled with a bit of pomade, gave him a polished yet relaxed appearance. He wore a casual yet stylish outfit—a fitted navy blue shirt and jeans—that complemented his athletic build.

As the evening wore on, Ivy and Jake talked about everything and nothing, their conversation a soothing balm to her weary soul. Jake told her about the latest happenings in their lives, the funny antics of their friends, and how much everyone missed her. Ivy listened, feeling a sense of normalcy return with each word.

"I brought you some of your favorite snacks," Jake said, pulling a small bag from his backpack. "I made sure they're all health-friendly."

Ivy smiled as she looked inside the bag. There were fresh fruits, a small container of yogurt, and some homemade granola bars. "You're the best, Jake. Thank you."

Jake chuckled. "Anything for you, Ivy. My grandma made the granola bars and sends her regards, by the way. She wanted to come, but you know how she is with hospitals."

Ivy laughed softly. "Tell her I appreciate it. She's always so sweet."

They shared the snacks, talking and laughing as if they were back at the park, enjoying a carefree day. Jake made a joke about the hospital food, and Ivy couldn't help but laugh, the sound lightening the atmosphere.

The rose sat in a small vase on the bedside table, a constant reminder of Jake's love and thoughtfulness. As the night grew darker, Jake stayed by Ivy's side, holding her hand and reassuring her with his presence. "Ivy, I want you to know that no matter what happens, I'm here for you. We'll get through this together."

Ivy nodded, her heart full. "I know, Jake. And I'm so grateful for you. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Jake smiled, his green eyes shining with determination. "You don't have to worry about that. I'm not going anywhere."

With Jake's support and the love of her family, Ivy felt a renewed sense of hope. She knew the road ahead would be challenging, but she also knew she wasn't alone. Together, they would face whatever came their way, one day at a time.