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"Tina? Tina? Can you hear me?" She called softly, hovering over her sister.

"Ena...?" Valentina's voice was hoarse and drowsy.

"Oh, God, baby you scared us all!" Ismena was already hugging her sister tight, tears pricking the back of her eyes. "Thank God you're alright, I was so scared...!"

"I'm s-sorry. I d-did...not mean...to scare you and mom." She replied drowsily, her eyes closed to feel her elder sister's hug.

"It's okay, it's okay. What matters now is that you are doing great," Ismena separated from her, "The doctor said your surgery was a success. You will be fine."

"The surg-ery?" Valentina asked, baffled.

"You had a perforated appendix, it was terrible!" Amelia responded, her fear clearly unhidden in her eyes, "You won't be the death of me, Tina. I t-told you let's get your belly c-checked out when you complained, several times, but you insisted that it was just a small belly pain—"

"I'm sorry, mama. I did not know... it was...such a b...ig deal."

Amelia sniffled and wiped her tears while her husband rubbed her back in comfort. "It's okay, it's okay. What matters is that you're doing good now. You will be fine."

Valentina nodded dutifully. They all pulled back for their father to have his own moment with her too. He hugged her gently, while whispering to her ears. She listened, nodding her head to whatever he was saying to her.

Ismena watched her family with a watery smile on her face. It has always been like this. Her family, sticking together and having each other's back no matter what they faced.

While growing up, they did not have much. They faced a lot of financial difficulties, but their family managed to stick together during those hardships. The savings her mother had from her dead biological father was used for her hospital expenses while she was eight, and itwasn't even enough. Her step father, Alfred, paid for the rest of it and with every year that passed, he worked harder to keep the family feed and the children schooling.

Yet, their family was mostly happy. Her parents were always there were them. always within reach.

Tears filled her eyes as she watched them. She can't die now, if for no other reason but for her family. It will break them to find out about her heart disease, it will kill them to watch her die.

No, she cannot die! God, please, I don't want to die! She cried in her heart.

With those thoughts, came the thoughts of Wolfaraine. A man that has filled her every thoughts, her every dreams, these past few days.

God, let this changeling myth work. Let it be true that intimacy with him will keep her alive, and lengthen her years.

She does not know how long they'll sleep together as Wolfaraine does not want a mate, and his mountain lion is always trying to kill her. When his ring is found, he would send her back to this world, away from him. God, let her body's contact with his, heal her up for ten-to-twenty more years before her heart disease comes back, so that she can spend more time with her famil—

"Look who's here!" Amelia's surprised words pulled her out of her thoughts.

Ismena looked behind her to see Sandra walking into the hospital room. A smile split her lips as she stepped forward and hugged her best friend.

"I'm so glad to see you!" Ismena whispered to her ears.

"I'm just as happy to see you, but I was worried sick when your mother told me what happened last night. I couldn't sleep a wink. Counted the time until I was unable to anymore, so I hurried out here." Sandra stepped back to look behind Ismena as she asked, "How is she doing now?"

"She is better now. Her surgery went well. But, she's still being monitored in case of any complications." Ismena answered.

"Good morning...Sandra." Valentina greeted.

"Oh, look at you baby, you look like death warmed over." Sandra said, which in turn made Valentina smile. She smiled too. "How do you feel now?"

"Tired...Sleepy." she said.

While the exchange was going on, Ismena couldn't help noticing that her father seemed edgy. Occasionally, he'll look out of the window as if he's searching for something.

"Is everything alright, Dad?" She asked curiously.

He gifted her with one of those handsome smiles of his. "Yes, everything is alright, my darling."

"I'm thirsty..." Valentina effused.