Chapter 7 - Fractured Truths
When Hannah finally opened her eyes in the ICU, the first thing she saw was Elias. He looked ten years older, with heavy bags under his eyes and a thick stubble. The tube had been removed from her throat, though it still hurt to speak.
"You're still here," she croaked.
"I told you I'm not leaving," he said, gently feeding her ice chips.
A few days later, when she was moved back to a regular ward and the immediate danger of the pneumonia had passed, Elias brought the journal. He placed it gently on her lap. Hannah looked at it, then at him, her eyes widening in betrayal.
"You read it."
"Hannah, why didn't you tell me? Six months? You could have started treatment earlier. The tumor wouldn't have grown so large."
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"Because you weren't there!" she lashed out, tears welling up. "Because when I was healthy, you barely noticed my pain! How was I supposed to trust you with my life?"
The words struck him like a physical blow. He didn't defend himself. He couldn't. "You're right," he said quietly. "I failed you then. But I am begging you, let me carry this now. I don't pity you, Hannah. I revere you."
