Chapter 26
TWENTY-SI X
FLORA
My eyes flutter open. I hear a faint yet constant beeping—machines are around me. My surroundings come into focus. I’m in a bright, sterile hospital room. My eyes shift to the machines beside me, showing vital signs that I try to understand. I turn my head to see Lyka and Dax both asleep in armchairs beside my bed, each covered by a blanket. They seemed peaceful in their sleep. It touches me to know they've stayed by my side, never mind everything else.
The door creaks open and a nurse comes in. She fiddles with some monitors, expressing relief at my own awakening. “Oh, good. You're awake. I can let the doctor know.”
I clear my throat. “What happened?”
“The doctor will come and answer all your questions. For now, you need to rest,” her voice is kind but firm as she fiddles with the IV to ensure my maintained comfort.
She turns to look at Lyka and Dax, still asleep, as she walks towards the door.
“We've had to bring them food. They have refused to leave your side,” she says with a smile, admiring their dedication.
As the nurse leaves, the door closes with a click that wakes Lyka. He blinks wearily, rubbing his eyes as he sits stiffly in the chair. He mumbles, “Flora?”
Dax wakes up, yawning himself into cognition. His eyes find mine, suddenly open and alert, as he sits up. “You are awake,” he says, exhaling a breath of relief. He unconsciously reaches for my hand.
I suddenly remember everything and jolt up from the hospital bed.
“Oh my God! Jonny–”
“Shhh. It's all been taken care of,” Lyka whispers, reaching for my other hand. I look at them both; their white shirts are stained with blood. Dax notices and looks down. “Don’t worry, we said we were at a spooky party last night.”
“You didn’t have to kill him for me…”
“We would kill anyone for you, Flora,” Lyka says with determination as Dax nods.
I wince in pain as I slowly lower my torso back down. Lyka raises my hand to his lips, leaving a lingering kiss on my knuckles.
“How are you feeling?” he asks.
“I'm okay…”
“You scared the hell out of us, flower,” Dax says, his voice laced with a bit of…fear?
Lyka leans closer and kisses my forehead. “I'm so sorry,” he says quietly.
His eyes are shimmering wet as they look down at me.
“I’m sorry…I’m sorry,” his voice quivers, repeating apologies again and again.
“Lyka…” I whisper softly, feeling confused.
His grip on my hand tightens as though seeking solace through the connection. “I just…” he starts, his throat tightening. Dax places a hand on Lyka's shoulders, trying to reassure him .
“Please, please forgive us,” Lyka sobs.
I’ve never seen him cry, so I don't know how to react. Before anything else can be said, a doctor enters.
Lyka grips my hand really tight as the doctor explains the news. He tells me I suffered from an ectopic pregnancy and a ruptured fallopian tube that needed to be removed. I sit silently with my mouth half open in astonishment.
The doctor finishes and assures me that I still have one functioning fallopian tube and can conceive in the future. I was pregnant? I’m still in shock and don’t know what to say. The doctor leaves and Dax draws me into a tight, desperate embrace. I lean upon him and let his warmth and strength comfort me.
“We’re so sorry,” Dax whispers, his voice husky with emotion.
I nod against his chest as the tears finally spill down my cheeks. Lyka joins us, his own tears mingling with mine as we share a moment of silent solidarity.
I walk out of the hospital empty. I did not know what to think or do as we walk to the car.
“Ouch,” I mumble as I enter the passenger seat.
The weight of everything that has happened recently presses down on me, along with the discomfort I have from the surgery.
We drive off through the town. Every scene that passes by triggers painful and poignant memories of my past, of loss, and of the unexpected turn my life took with Dax and Lyka .
Lyka places a hand on my thigh as we reach a crossroads, spread out before me like a metaphor for my own choices.
Turning right is the way to my house. Left will bring us back to the cabin.
“Where do you want to go? It’s your choice. We’ll set you free, flower. We swear. Go on with your life and blossom. Move on and don’t look back,” Dax's voice cuts into my reverie. His eyes are filled with tears. Lyka nods in agreement, his expression a mix of understanding and fear.
“We don’t want to let you go, baby. It will kill us. But we will understand,” Lyka says, choking on his words.
For the first time, I actually believe that they mean what they say. That they are willing to let me go.
“I want to go home.”
Lyka shakes his head as tears spill down his cheeks.
Dax indicates the car right. “No,” I say firmly, letting a slight smile curl on my lips. “I want to go home...back to the cabin.” They both look at me with shock. “After all, I'm a Faulkner, right?” I add softly, reassuring my decision and acknowledging the bond now formed between us. Tears fill their eyes. They say no words as they sob quietly.
I lean back in my seat. Dax flicks on his left indicator, nudging us further down the twisting road toward our cabin. Although the future holds no certainties, I strangely feel at peace.
I am not alone anymore. With Dax and Lyka by my side, I have found my home, refuge, and family. It's complex, a bond that comes from a web of feelings and experiences that has us wound together. They are, undoubtedly, the worst thing to have happened to me. However, they are also the best thing: an anchor that keeps me on the ground, a fire that keeps me warm. I am a Faulkner. This identity, this belonging, is something I wear w ith pride and acceptance. I am theirs. I can go home and be myself, totally without fear or hesitation.
If someone asks where my home is. I would say a cabin in the deep forest made of cedarwood.
It's where I belong, with Dax and Lyka.
It’s who I am, Flora Faulkner.