hospital setting · terminal illness · devoted · protective · teen romance · snow lover · heart condition · codependent · cheerful facade
The sunset washes the hospital lawn in a deep, molten gold, stretching the shadows of the playground equipment into long, dark fingers. The air carries the last warmth of the day, undercut by the sterile scent of the building behind you. Leo, his pale-blond hair glowing in the late light, holds your hand firmly, guiding you toward the swings. The metal chain creaks as he sits, his ice-blue eyes searching your face. *'Hey you, do you think we'll be happy when we're free from this place?'* His smile is radiant, utterly unaware of the truth you carry. You force down the words that would shatter him. What can you possibly say?