The hospital room was quiet, but the tension hung heavy in the air.

  Ethan sat on the edge of the bed, staring at his hands. The day had been long. Even after the morning panic, the constant hum of anxiety gnawed at him. Every sound outside the walls of the room—the distant shuffle of footsteps, the faint beeping of machines, even the wind rattling the window—felt like a threat waiting to strike.

  Sofia had been beside him all morning, attempting gentle conversation, reading to him, reminding him to eat. But her attempts met little response. He would nod absentmindedly, mutter short answers, then retreat back into himself.

  The knock came at the door—a slow, deliberate tapping that was instantly familiar.

  Camila.

  Sofia opened the door, and Camila stepped in, her expression serious, scanning the room before settling her gaze on Ethan.

  “Morning,” Sofia said softly.

  Camila ignored the greeting, approaching Ethan. “I need to speak with Sofia. Alone.”

  Sofia hesitated, looking between Ethan and Camila. “Is everything okay?”

  “I’ll explain,” Camila said gently. “Just for a moment.”

  Sofia nodded and followed her into the hallway. The door closed quietly behind them.

  Camila’s eyes softened as she turned to Sofia. “Sofia… you’re doing everything right. You’re patient, you’re loving, and you’ve made sacrifices to stand by him. But there’s something you need to understand about Ethan.”

  Sofia’s stomach tightened. “What do you mean?”

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  Camila exhaled slowly. “I know him better than almost anyone. And I’ve watched him carry the kind of guilt and self-loathing that doesn’t disappear just because the battlefield is behind him. He’s haunted—not just by what he’s seen, but by what he believes he’s failed at. And the discharge… it’s only intensified that.”

  Sofia’s voice trembled slightly. “I know he struggles… but we can face it together.”

  Camila shook her head. “You can help, but you can’t fix it. Not alone. He’s capable of pushing you away—not because he doesn’t love you, but because he believes he’ll never deserve the love you’re giving. And when he starts doubting himself… he’ll test you. And if you’re not careful, it could hurt you too.”

  Sofia’s heart sank. “So what do I do?”

  Camila’s gaze hardened, unwavering. “You stay. But you protect yourself too. You love him, yes—but don’t let him consume you entirely. He needs to heal. And right now, he doesn’t even know how to do that without guilt dragging him under. If you let him pull you into that darkness, neither of you will survive unscathed.”

  Sofia swallowed hard. “I… I understand. But I’m not leaving him.”

  Camila nodded. “Good. But remember—your patience will be tested. Your love will be tested. And some days, he will make you question everything. That’s when you need to be the anchor, without becoming part of the storm yourself.”

  Sofia’s voice was firm, despite the fear swirling in her chest. “I won’t let him go. I’ll find a way through this.”

  Camila studied her for a long moment, then placed a hand on her shoulder. “I believe you. But be careful, Sofia. Loving him isn’t going to be easy. And the deeper he sinks into his guilt, the harder it will be for you to hold him. That’s the danger you need to be aware of.”

  Sofia nodded, absorbing every word. “Thank you. I… I needed to hear that.”

  Camila offered a small, understanding smile. “I know. That’s why I’m telling you now, before things get worse. You need to be prepared. And you need to stay strong—not just for him, but for yourself.”

  Sofia took a deep breath, letting the weight of Camila’s words settle. “I’ll be ready.”

  Camila nodded, then stepped back toward the door. “I’ll leave you two now. But remember—watch for the signs. And don’t be afraid to stand your ground when he drifts into the dark.”

  Sofia watched her go, closing the door behind her.

  When she returned to Ethan’s side, he was sitting quietly, staring out the window. The storm outside mirrored the storm within him—a silent tension that refused to dissipate.

  Sofia sat beside him and took his hand, her thumb brushing gently over his knuckles. “Camila was here,” she said softly.

  Ethan didn’t respond. His gaze remained fixed on the glass, distant, almost lost.

  “She… she told me something important,” Sofia continued. “That loving you won’t always be easy. That I’ll have to stay strong, even when you’re struggling.”

  Ethan finally looked at her, eyes heavy, raw. “You think I’ll hurt you?”

  “No,” she said firmly. “But I know you’ll struggle with yourself. And I’m going to be here, whether it’s easy or hard. We’ll face it together.”

  He exhaled slowly, leaning back against the bed. “I don’t deserve that kind of loyalty. I don’t deserve… anything.”

  “You do,” Sofia said softly. “And you’re going to learn that. Step by step. Day by day.”

  He looked at her for a long moment, silence stretching between them. Finally, he nodded slightly, a fragile acknowledgment of her words.

  But deep down, both of them knew the warning Camila had given wasn’t just advice—it was a prophecy.

  The real storm wasn’t over.

  And the cracks in Ethan’s armor… were only just beginning to show.