Chapter 54: Tending to the Wounds

The sun was setting by the time Gabriella, her parents, and Robert returned from the medical center, casting long shadows over the community. The soft glow of the evening sky, with hues of amber and pink, did little to ease the tension that clung to Gabriella's heart. The sight of Andrew lying in that bed, his body weakened by the battle, had unsettled her deeply. Yet, in the midst of her worry, she was filled with gratitude that he was alive. His strength was the foundation of their bond, and seeing him fight for his life gave her a renewed sense of purpose.

The community was quieter than usual, still recovering from the chaos of the raider attack. As Gabriella guided her parents through the main square, she noticed the subdued mood in the faces of the people around her. Some were tending to repairs, while others worked in the gardens or carried supplies. The battle had shaken them all, a stark reminder of the fragile peace they had worked so hard to build.

Her parents, who had spent years in relative isolation at the lake cabin, seemed overwhelmed by the sight of so many people living and working together. Their eyes darted around, taking in the activity of the community. Gabriella could see both curiosity and hesitation in their expressions. It was a lot to process—this bustling settlement was far removed from the quiet, solitary life they had known.

As they approached the small cottage Gabriella and Andrew shared, her mother broke the silence, her voice soft but laced with concern. "Gabriella, are you sure we’re not imposing? We’ve been living on our own for so long... this is a lot to take in."

Gabriella stopped and turned to face them, her heart heavy with emotion. "Mom, Dad, you're not imposing at all. This is your home now, too. We have so much space, and the people here are like family to me. They’ll welcome you with open arms, just as they did for me." She paused, looking at her mother’s anxious face and then her father’s stoic expression, which, despite its calm, carried a hint of uncertainty. "And Andrew—he’s going to want to meet you properly when he’s better."
Her father nodded, the tension in his face softening slightly. "I’m just glad to be with you again, Gabriella. We’ll adjust. It's just... different."
Gabriella smiled, understanding their hesitation. "I know it’s a lot, but you’ll see. It’s a good place. It’s safe."

The cottage came into view, and Gabriella felt a wave of relief wash over her. She hadn’t been home in what felt like forever. Opening the door, she stepped inside and was immediately enveloped by the familiar scent of the place. Everything was just as she had left it—tidy and simple, with a few personal touches here and there that made it feel like home.

"I’ll set up a space for you two here," Gabriella said, motioning to the sitting area where she could arrange bedding for her parents. "You’ll stay with me for now, until we can figure out a more permanent solution."
Her mother wandered into the kitchen, running her fingers over the worn wooden countertops. "It’s lovely, Gabriella. You’ve made a nice home here."
"Thank you, Mom." Gabriella smiled, though her thoughts remained with Andrew, lying in the medical center, fighting to heal. "I’ll get you settled in, and then I need to check on Andrew again. I just… I need to see him."

Her father, who had been unusually quiet, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Go to him, Gabriella. We’ll be fine here. He’s your husband now. He needs you."

Gabriella’s throat tightened at his words. Her father had always been a man of few words, but when he spoke, his voice carried the weight of unspoken emotions. She knew he was still processing everything—the battle, meeting Andrew under such circumstances, and the realization that his little girl had grown up in a world he no longer fully recognized.
"Thank you, Dad," Gabriella said, her voice barely above a whisper.

As her parents settled in, Gabriella left the cottage and made her way back toward the medical center, the cool evening air brushing against her skin. Her footsteps felt heavier with each step, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up with her. But the thought of Andrew gave her the strength to push on. She needed to be there for him, to sit by his side and let him know that she wasn’t going anywhere.

When she arrived at the medical center, the atmosphere was quieter than before. The medics moved about with a sense of calm, tending to the wounded who still needed care, but the chaos had subsided. As Gabriella entered the room where Andrew was resting, she was greeted by the familiar sight of Anna, who was carefully adjusting the bandages on Andrew’s chest.

"He’s stable for now," Anna said, offering a small, encouraging smile. "He’s been asking for you."
Gabriella’s heart swelled at those words. "Thank you, Anna. For everything."
Anna nodded and stepped aside, allowing Gabriella to take a seat beside Andrew’s bed. He looked better than when she had last seen him—less pale, and his breathing was more even. His eyes were closed, but as she gently took his hand, he stirred.
"Gabriella..." His voice was hoarse but filled with warmth as his eyes fluttered open.
"I’m here," she whispered, her thumb brushing lightly over his knuckles. "I’m not going anywhere."
Andrew’s lips curled into a faint smile. "I knew you’d come back. You always do."
Gabriella swallowed the lump in her throat. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I got run over by a stampede," he joked weakly, trying to ease the tension. "But better. Thanks to the medics. They’ve been taking good care of me."
Gabriella chuckled softly, though the tears still stung at her eyes. "I was so worried, Andrew. When Anna told me what happened, I just... I couldn’t stand the thought of losing you."
Andrew squeezed her hand, his strength still weak but his resolve strong. "You’re not losing me. Not now, not ever."
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the day pressing down on them both. Gabriella wanted nothing more than to curl up next to him, to be close and feel his warmth, but she knew he needed to rest.

"My parents are here," she finally said, breaking the quiet. "They’re settling in at our cottage. I wanted them to meet you properly, but under better circumstances."
Andrew’s eyes softened. "I’m sorry I couldn’t be more... presentable."
Gabriella shook her head, her heart aching at his humility. "You’re alive, Andrew. That’s all that matters to me."
He nodded, understanding. "I want to meet them properly, too. Once I’m up and about, we’ll make that happen."
"You will," Gabriella assured him, her voice filled with quiet determination. "You’ll heal, and we’ll get back to normal."
Andrew’s smile grew, though it was still tinged with fatigue. "Normal? In this world?"
Gabriella chuckled softly, knowing the irony of her statement. "Okay, maybe not normal. But we’ll figure it out. Together."
Andrew’s eyes grew heavy, and Gabriella could see the exhaustion settling in once more. She didn’t want to push him to stay awake any longer. "Rest now," she whispered, brushing a soft kiss to his forehead. "I’ll be right here."

Andrew’s eyes fluttered closed, his grip on her hand loosening as sleep overtook him. Gabriella sat there for a long time, just watching him breathe, letting the steady rise and fall of his chest soothe her own anxieties. The weight of the day began to lift slightly as she sat by his side, comforted by the fact that, for now, they were both here, together.

As the hours passed and the night deepened, Gabriella finally allowed herself to rest. She leaned back in her chair, her eyes drifting closed as exhaustion claimed her. She wasn’t sure what tomorrow would bring, but for tonight, she could sleep knowing that Andrew was still with her, that her parents were safe, and that despite the chaos of the world around them, they had found a way to hold onto the things that mattered most.