When little Nina woke up, Briony was already on the phone.

She stood by the window, her back to the bed.

Nina watched her mother quietly. She knew Mom was busy, but her mouth felt dry and she wanted a drink.

"Mom..."

At the sound of her voice, Briony turned, but just then the hospital room door swung open and a figure dressed in black hurried in, reaching Nina's bedside before Briony could.

"What does little Nina need?"

Briony paused in her tracks.

With Blair shrouded head to toe in black—a dark hat pulled low and a mask covering all but his eyes-any child would normally shrink away in fear.

But for some reason, little Nina always felt safe around Blair.

"Mr. Monroe, I'm thirsty, could I have some water?"

Blair's voice softened. "Of course. Just stay still, I'll get you some."

"Thank you, Mr. Monroe," Nina replied, her voice as gentle as a whisper. Curled

up in bed, she looked so fragile it made your heart ache.

Blair reached out to touch her cheek, then turned to fetch water, only to find himself meeting Briony's gaze unexpectedly.

a flicker of nervousness flashing in

little one woke up, I was worried

he explained, his voice deep and rough,

didn't change; she gave

a moment. Was he just being

Nina called again, her eyes wide with

"Water, please?"

grabbed the pink children's thermos from the table, unscrewed the lid, and lowered the bed rail. With gentle hands, he propped Nina up so she

slowly, don't rush or you'll

feeling much better. She looked up at Blair, her bright eyes curving into a crescent-moon smile. "Mr. Monroe,

gazed at her, unable to hide the fondness

gently settled Nina back, tucking the covers

to listen to the doctor, little Nina. That's

nodded solemnly. "I will, I promise." After a moment, she looked up at him. "Mr. Monroe, will you stay with me for a

was caught off

to

turned to look

his

that alright?"

his Adam's apple bobbing with the

to the bed, brushing her hand

had

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