026

                                    

                                          

The next morning, Aurora woke up with purpose. After getting ready and grabbing a light breakfast, she climbed into her car and drove toward Sam's house. The plan for the day was clear: bring Sam to visit Miguel.
When Sam slid into the passenger seat, she looked nervous, fidgeting with the strap of her bag. "Thanks for letting me come," she said softly.
Aurora glanced over and offered a reassuring smile. "You're doing the right thing. He'll appreciate it."
The drive to the hospital was quiet but not uncomfortable. Sam seemed lost in her thoughts, and Aurora focused on the road, her own nerves bubbling under the surface.
As they stepped into Miguel's room, his face lit up when he saw Aurora. "Hey!" he greeted, his voice stronger than it had been the day before.
Aurora couldn't help but smile as she walked over to him. He reached out for her, and they shared a quick, affectionate kiss. It was short and sweet, but it spoke volumes about how much they had missed each other.
Sam, who had been lingering by the door, cleared her throat softly. "Hey, Miguel."
Miguel looked up, surprised but not unkind. "Sam," he said, his tone curious but welcoming. He tried to sit up a little straighter in his bed, clearly happy to see her, though his movement was slow and deliberate.
Sam took a hesitant step forward, her voice a little shaky. "I... I wanted to see you. And to say I'm sorry. For what Robby did. I know it doesn't fix anything, but... I feel responsible, and I'm so sorry for what happened to you."
Miguel's expression softened. He shook his head slightly. "Sam, you don't need to apologize for Robby. What he did—it's on him, not you. You shouldn't carry that guilt." He smiled, the motion feeling a bit unfamiliar on his face but still warm.
Sam nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, but she managed a small, relieved smile. "Thanks, Miguel. That means a lot."
Aurora stood quietly beside the bed, watching the exchange. She could see how much Miguel's forgiveness meant to Sam, and it made her proud of him. He was showing so much strength, even when he could have easily been angry or resentful.
After a few more moments, the conversation turned lighter. Sam mentioned how her parents were treating her like she was fragile after the fight, which caused Miguel to laugh—soft but genuine. Aurora chimed in with a sarcastic remark about the blandness of hospital food, making them both chuckle.
For a while, the tension from earlier seemed to lift. It was almost like the old times, when things weren't so complicated. Miguel's humor and quick wit were making an appearance again, and it felt like a small victory.
But soon, the peaceful moment was interrupted as Sam glanced at her phone. "Alright," she said, standing up and stretching slightly. "I think it's time we head out to get this fundraiser going. We've got a lot of work to do if we're going to raise the money for your surgery, Miguel."
Miguel's eyes shifted to Aurora, a mischievous glint appearing. He gave her a playful smirk. "Oh, so you're leaving me already? You just got here, and now you're off to leave me all alone in this sterile, uncomfortable bed?" He pouted slightly, his voice lowering in a teasing tone. "And here I thought we were friends."
Aurora laughed, shaking her head at his antics. "Miguel, stop it. You're lucky you're cute, or I'd leave you with no second thought," she teased, planting a soft kiss on his cheek. "Besides, we've got work to do. We need to get this fundraiser off the ground, so you can get back on your feet faster."
Miguel grinned, his eyes softening as he gazed at her. "Well, if it helps, I'll promise I won't complain about the attention. But just so you know," he leaned in slightly, his voice playful yet sincere, "I'm a little disappointed I won't get to see you in a bikini at that car wash"