Chapter 21: We’ll get through this

As Sana's parents sat in the doctor's office, the air around them seemed to thicken with an unbearable weight. The doctor's words echoed in their minds, creating a relentless loop of despair. "Her organs are aging faster than normal. There is no cure. Even with constant hospitalization and machines, we can only prolong her life by a few years." The doctor's face was somber, reflecting the gravity of the situation. Sana's mother felt her heart shatter into countless pieces, each piece stabbing her with the reality that their vibrant, lively daughter was dying.

For Sana's father, it was as if the ground beneath him had opened up, plunging him into an abyss of grief. How could this be happening? Sana, the joy of their lives, was slipping away from them, and there was nothing they could do to stop it. Her mother clung to his hand, her tears a silent testament to their shared agony.

The days that followed were a blur of sorrow and helplessness. They couldn't bring themselves to tell Sana the truth, to shatter her world with the knowledge of her impending demise. Instead, they watched her go about her daily life, her laughter and cheerfulness a painful reminder of what they were about to lose.

Sana continued with her school routine, blissfully unaware of the storm raging in her parents' hearts. She threw herself into her activities, her passion for running and her studies providing a welcome distraction from the lingering pain of Akagi's rejection. Yet, her body was a ticking time bomb, and the signs of her condition began to manifest more frequently.

One afternoon, after an exhausting day at school, Sana felt an unusual heaviness in her chest. She brushed it off, attributing it to fatigue, but as the hours passed, the discomfort turned into a sharp, unbearable pain. Her vision blurred, and she felt her legs give way beneath her.

Suguru, who had been with her, immediately sensed that something was terribly wrong. He didn't hesitate, scooping her up and rushing her to the hospital. The panic in his eyes mirrored the fear gripping Sana's heart. "Stay with me, Sana," he kept repeating, his voice a mixture of desperation and determination.

At the hospital, the scene was chaotic. Doctors and nurses swarmed around Sana, hooking her up to machines, and administering emergency treatments. Suguru stood to the side, his fists clenched, his mind a whirlwind of worry and confusion. Her parents arrived shortly after, their faces etched with fear.

The doctor's prognosis was grim. "She cannot be moved from the hospital. Her condition is too unstable. If another incident occurs, we may lose her."

Suguru's heart pounded in his chest as he listened to the doctor. "What does this mean? What's happening to her?" he demanded, looking to Sana's parents for answers.

Their silence spoke volumes. The grief and resignation in their eyes told him everything he needed to know. Overwhelmed, Suguru fled from there, finding solace in a quiet corner of the hospital where he allowed himself to break down. Tears streamed down his face as he questioned the unfairness of it all. "Why does this have to happen? Why?"

After what felt like an eternity, a nurse informed them that Sana's condition had stabilized, and they could see her. Her parents were the first to enter her room. They approached her bed, their eyes red from crying, but they tried to muster smiles for her sake.

"You're going to get well soon, Sana," her father said, his voice thick with emotion as he embraced her. His words were meant to comfort, but the underlying fear was palpable.

As they spoke, there was a gentle knock on the door. Suguru stood there, looking hesitant. "Oh, sorry, I'll come back later," he said, starting to turn away.

"Suguru, come here. Where were you?" Sana's voice, cheerful and light, called him back. Her tone was so normal, so unaffected, it was almost painful to hear.

Her parents exchanged a glance and stood up. "We'll leave you two to talk," they said, stepping out of the room.

Suguru approached Sana's bedside, trying to keep his emotions in check. "What's wrong with your face?" Sana teased, trying to lighten the mood.

He looked at her, his eyes scanning the tubes and machines connected to her. The sight broke something inside him. Without warning, he enveloped her in a tight hug, his body trembling with the force of his suppressed sobs.

"Suguru, I'm fine. You don't have to overreact," Sana said with a giggle, trying to ease his worry. But as she felt his tears on her shoulder, her own eyes welled up. She hugged him back, her heart aching for her friend.

They talked for a while, their conversation filled with memories and dreams, both trying to ignore the grim reality surrounding them. Suguru's presence was a elixir for Sana's soul, his unwavering support a source of strength.

Eventually, a nurse entered the room. "I need to run some tests and give her medication. She needs to rest now."

Suguru nodded, giving Sana one last smile before stepping out. As he walked away, he felt a renewed determination. He would be there for Sana, no matter what. She was fighting a battle unlike any other, and he would be by her side through it all.

Outside, her parents sat in the waiting room, their faces drawn with worry. Suguru joined them, sitting down heavily. "We'll get through this," he said, his voice firm. "For Sana's sake, we have to stay strong."