It has been three full weeks since the crash, and today the survivors will finally reunite with their families. According to Sergeant Collins, everyone is stable enough to travel by vehicle, even those who suffered serious injuries—though some will have to remain in hospital beds for the journey. Solene continues to receive daily updates on Jeremy, and for that, she is immensely grateful. It's been a particularly rough ordeal for him, but he's beginning to respond to others. Though he remains withdrawn, the doctors believe that being back in familiar surroundings might help him improve. This small glimmer of hope has been a great comfort to Solene, especially after the intense worry she felt during the first week when Jeremy's condition was at its worst.
The reunion was set up at Edwards Air Force Base, a midway point for everyone involved. It was a significant event, attracting media, photographers, congressional representatives, and top military officials. To add to the convenience, each family was provided with a personal chauffeur for the day—a detail that had Solene nearly jumping with joy, as she didn't have a driver's license yet. This unexpected support lifted a considerable burden from her shoulders.
Many family members arrived early to avoid traffic and escape the worst of the desert heat. The base was nearly two hours away from Solene's home, giving her time to catch some rest during the ride. She had been eagerly waiting for this moment since the ordeal began, feeling fortunate to be able to be there for Jeremy. His parents, despite their best efforts, couldn't return to the States in time. Persistent bad weather kept grounding flights, leaving them no choice but to try for an early flight today in hopes of arriving by tomorrow night, provided there were no further delays. While devastated about not being present to welcome Jeremy, they were deeply grateful to Solene for keeping them updated and bravely going to the base on her own.
...A Few Weeks Earlier...
A confused look spread across James, Marie and Jeremy's siblings.
They didn't understand what she was saying to them.
'What was the call, sweetie?" Marie asked gently.
"They told me... that... the flight crashed. His plane crashed."
The words barely left Solene's lips before tears overtook her. She tried to cover her mouth, but her sobs broke free, raw and uncontrollable. A heavy silence followed, as if the room itself held its breath. And then, chaos.
Marie clutched her chest as though physically struck, gasping as she staggered backward. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed into the nearest chair, her face ashen. Her breaths came in sharp, ragged bursts as she struggled to fill her lungs.
James stood motionless, disbelief etched into his features, his hands twitching at his sides. He blinked, once, twice, as if trying to wake from a nightmare. Then, he crumpled to the floor, sobs racking his body. His hands covered his face, but they couldn't muffle the guttural, heart-wrenching cries of despair that escaped him.
Jeremy's sister let out a piercing wail, clutching desperately at her older brothers. One sank to his knees beside their father, trying to steady them both with an embrace that seemed futile against the force of their grief. The other brother stood frozen, fists clenched, his mouth open in a silent scream, as if wanting to break through this reality.
The scene was one of collapse, as each family member fell into the other's arms, their bodies trembling under the weight of the news. The room filled with a cacophony of screams and sobs, each layer building upon the last like a symphony of unbearable grief.
Solene could do nothing but watch, tears streaming down her face. The anguish she had unleashed seemed to hollow her out from the inside, each sob echoing in her ears and tearing deeper into her heart. She gripped the napkin in her hand, trying to keep from falling apart, but the pain was relentless, almost tangible.
Marie was now shaking uncontrollably, her hands grasping at the air in desperation. She reached for James, and they clung to each other, bodies heaving as they cried into each other's shoulders.
The room felt suffocating, as if the walls were closing in under the flood of their grief. Solene felt herself drowning in it too, every sob twisting the knife deeper into her chest.
What felt like an eternity passed before someone managed to break through the tears and return to the screen. Solene struggled to hear anything over the sound of her own ragged breathing. The silence on the other end was deafening, a void too heavy to fill. How could she speak now? How could she possibly bring them back from the abyss she had just thrown them into?
She didn't know how to continue. Her mouth was dry, and her heart pounded relentlessly in her ears. But she had to say something. She had to give them something to hold onto.
"Uhh... they found the wreck, but they're trying to get inside," she stammered, her voice barely more than a whisper. "But... they told me he—is alive."
The words landed like a shockwave. Silence followed, heavy and breathless, as hope collided with disbelief.
Then came a collective gasp, a sudden, chilling inhale of relief—a single, shared breath that seemed to reverse the tide of despair.
Marie let out a sob, but this time it carried a different sound—raw and disbelieving, but tinged with a flicker of joy. James slumped back in his chair, tears still flowing, but now they were tears of hope. Jeremy's siblings clung to one another, their bodies still trembling, but the sobs that followed were no longer from the depths of loss—they were from overwhelming relief.
The tears continued, but this time they carried the weight of having faced the edge of loss and been pulled back. The shift was overwhelming, a whirlwind of emotions that blended confusion with tentative joy.
Suddenly, a voice called out from off-camera, "You have to lead with that, Solene! God dammit!"
The abruptness broke through the tension, triggering unexpected laughter. It was messy, mingled with tears, and filled with the raw relief of people desperately holding onto a thread of hope. The absurdity, the timing—it was too true. They could have saved themselves an hour of heart-stopping panic.
"I'm sorry, you guys," Solene managed to chuckle weakly, wiping her face. She felt both light and drained, as if she'd just survived a storm.
The laughter eased some of the tension, making the situation slightly more bearable. Sniffles and chuckles mixed together, filling the air that had been so heavy with dread just moments earlier. But the fear lingered—it hadn't fully released its grip yet.
Two hours later, Solene finally updated them on everything she'd been told about Jeremy's situation. Each new detail was met with cautious relief, as if they were still bracing themselves for another blow.
Jeremy's parents remained distraught, sobbing quietly throughout the call, but the rawness of their grief had softened slightly. Solene ached to be with them, to reach through the screen and offer comfort, to promise that everything would be okay—even if she wasn't sure herself.
When the call ended, the silence returned, oppressive and thick. Solene sat there for hours, haunted by the echoes of screams that still rang in her head. She was afraid to close her eyes, afraid to relive the moment. She couldn't shake the feeling that this nightmare wasn't over yet.
...Present Day...
Solene stood on her tiptoes, eyes straining as she scanned the horizon for the arriving cars. The survivors were being held at another part of the base for final medical clearances, and the wait was becoming unbearable. Anxiety gnawed at her, making it impossible to stay still. They had been waiting on the airstrip for three hours now, and the anticipation felt like a tightening knot in her chest.
A gentle breeze occasionally swept through, offering momentary relief from the oppressive heat. But it wasn't enough; the crowd only wanted one thing—to hold their loved ones again. Solene's gaze flicked back and forth along the empty road, her hopes rising and falling with each mirage-like shimmer in the distance. At times, she mistook the faint buzz of insects for the rumble of engines, her mind playing tricks in the sweltering heat.
The desert landscape around Edwards Air Force Base was unforgiving, with its tan buildings blending seamlessly into the sandy ground. Everything felt distorted, a heat-induced optical illusion. The one long, winding road was barely visible through the rippling waves of heat. It seemed endless, as if it led to nowhere but despair.
Solene scanned the crowd, taking in the hundreds of anxious faces around her. For others, the crash was a headline. For nearly 80 families here, it was a living nightmare that still haunted them. The reminder stung—a cruel reality that refused to let go. Sixteen survivors had been pulled back from the edge of death, but Solene's heart ached for those whose reunions would be marked by only one beating heart—or none at all.
"Where are they?" she muttered under her breath, her voice tinged with desperation. She peered down the seemingly endless line of waiting families. And then, as if on cue, a distant roar began to rise from the crowd—an uproar of excitement that rippled through the air. Solene whipped her head around, her heart leaping as a single line of black SUVs appeared on the road. The anticipation was like an electric current, and she felt a hesitant smile begin to form.
They're here. He's here.
But the convoy seemed to crawl at a maddeningly slow pace, taking forever to reach the waiting crowd. When the cars finally pulled up in a neat row, the noise from the crowd surged into a crescendo, almost bursting Solene's eardrums. Cameras flashed, reporters shouted, and the entire scene unfolded live on news networks. Solene's heart raced as reality collided with the overwhelming emotion of the moment. After weeks of uncertainty, this was finally happening—right in front of her.
But then, a confusing pause. Despite the buildup, none of the car doors opened. Solene bit her lip anxiously, her legs unable to keep still. Five minutes passed, and still nothing. Soldiers and officials moved back and forth along the line of vehicles, communicating in hushed tones, as if handling some secret operation. Solene barely noticed them; she was consumed by a single, desperate thought: Where is Jeremy? The pressure in her chest grew heavier, almost suffocating. I have to see him. I need to see him.
Suddenly, the chain reaction she'd been waiting for started—doors flew open one after another. "AH!" Solene clapped a hand over her mouth, her breath catching. Survivors began stepping out, and the sight of families rushing to embrace them brought tears to her eyes. She watched, heart swelling, as people collided with their loved ones in frantic hugs, their cries of joy filling the air. But amid the joyous chaos, her focus snapped back to the SUVs.
Where is he?
Solene's excitement was quickly overtaken by a sense of dread. She looked around frantically, scanning each face, each figure. Her mind buzzed with panic. Was he here? Did something go wrong at the last minute? The thought that Jeremy might not have made it weighed heavily on her chest. Sergeant Collins had assured her he was cleared, but the crowd was thinning, and she could account for only 15 vehicles. There should have been 16.
Anxiety gnawed at her insides, her nerves raw and exposed. There was just one unopened vehicle left, its presence a taunting question mark. Solene's eyes locked onto it, her body tense, like a lion ready to pounce. Her pulse roared in her ears as she waited, seconds stretching into agonizing minutes. Maybe he changed his mind. Maybe he wasn't strong enough to make the trip back. Doubt wormed its way into her mind, and she clenched her fists, trying to keep hope from slipping through her fingers.
"Please, God," she whispered urgently, her voice a plea barely audible above the noise. She wanted to leap over the barrier, to run to the car and yank the door open herself. But she couldn't move. She could only stand there, trembling, willing Jeremy to be inside. Tears brimmed in her eyes, her vision blurring as despair edged closer.
The driver's door finally swung open, and Solene felt her stomach drop. Her grip on the gate tightened, her knuckles white. She watched, every muscle in her body tensed, as the driver stepped out, moving with an infuriating slowness. He circled to the back door, glancing briefly at the cameraman circling the vehicle with his rig. Solene felt an irrational urge to shout at the cameraman, to shove him aside—his lens was an unwelcome barrier between her and the truth she needed to see.
The back door finally slowly opened by the driver. A leg stepped out first. Solene's heart leapt into her throat. She let out a small, breathless squeak, but the driver was still blocking her view. Anxiety ran wild through her veins, making her knees weak. Her body trembled with the effort of holding it all in—holding in the terror, the hope, the longing.
And then, the driver stepped aside.
Jeremy stood there, looking straight ahead.
"Oh my god!" Solene erupted, her voice cracking with relief. She fumbled clumsily with the guardrail in front of her, desperation turning her movements frantic. The moment it opened, she sprinted toward him, heart pounding wildly in her chest. Every second of distance between them felt like an eternity—an agonizing barrier she wished she could shatter in an instant. If she could have teleported into his arms, she would have. With each step closer, her nerves melted away, replaced by a rush of overwhelming emotion.
"Jeremy!" Solene shouted as she collided into him, nearly knocking them both off balance. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, clinging to him as if to anchor herself in reality. The solid warmth of his body against hers brought an uncontrollable wave of tears. It was him—he was here. After weeks of torment and uncertainty, she finally had him in her arms.
She pulled back slightly, her hands trembling while cupping his face, needing to see him clearly. Her eyes searched his features hungrily, craving the reassurance she had longed for. "Looks like you're in one piece," she said, attempting a lighthearted joke through her tears. His expression, however, was distant, his eyes shadowed and tired. Relief washed over her, but a faint unease lingered beneath it. There was something missing—something she couldn't quite identify. He must be exhausted, she thought, forcing herself to ignore the pang of doubt.
"Hiiii, are you okay?" she whispered, pulling him back into another fierce hug, unwilling to let go. She buried her face into the crook of his neck, savoring his familiar scent, the feel of him against her. There was comfort in the moment, but it wasn't complete; his embrace felt slack, almost detached. Solene tried to convince herself that he was simply drained from everything he'd endured, that time would help. She tightened her hold, as if trying to pull him closer to reality.
Then she caught sight of a cameraman filming from the side. A familiar pang of embarrassment hit her—she hated having her rawest moments captured by strangers. But she quickly pushed the feeling aside; none of it mattered. Jeremy was here, and they were going home together. That was all she needed to focus on.
"It's been a long time, yeah?" Solene continued, infusing her voice with forced cheerfulness as she pulled him closer again. A soft laugh escaped her lips, more for her own benefit than his, a mix of joy and disbelief. "I missed you," she whispered, her voice low but genuine. She let the words linger, trying to close the growing gap she felt between them without making it obvious.
"Oh god, how are you," she asked, her voice warm and soft as she rubbed his cheek gently. Her heart ached with tenderness as she tried to reconnect with him, her touch meant to reassure rather than probe. Jeremy's response was subdued, his gaze blank, almost hollow. Solene's chest tightened, but she kept her expression bright, willing herself not to read too much into it. She studied his eyes quietly, searching for any trace of warmth, of the spark that used to be there. But there was only a distant storm that she couldn't grasp—one she wasn't ready to confront.
Jeremy managed a small nod, but his eyes remained unfocused. It took him a moment to respond to her hug, and even then, it felt hesitant, as if he were unsure how to react. Solene's heart sank slightly, but she fought against the rising unease, determined to focus on the positive. He was here, alive, and that had to be enough for now.
"Oh my god—are you hungry?" she suddenly exclaimed, trying to lighten the moment. Her hand flew to her forehead in mock exasperation, her tone overly bright. "I'm sorry, what do you want to eat? Where do you want to go?" she asked eagerly, her smile a bit too wide. "We have a driver for the whole day, so we can go anywhere you want."
Jeremy didn't respond right away, his gaze drifting past her as if he were lost in a place she couldn't reach. Solene's heart raced as she waited, the anticipation bubbling up alongside a flicker of anxiety.
"I wanna go home," he muttered quietly, his voice flat, almost mechanical.
The simplicity of his words hit Solene harder than she expected. Her excitement deflated instantly, replaced by a sharp sting of disappointment. She had imagined this moment so many times, and this wasn't how it was supposed to be. But she quickly pushed the feeling down, refusing to let it show. She forced a soft smile, her voice gentle. "Okay," she replied, trying to mask the hurt. "We can go home. Let's go. We're going now."
She reached for his hand, but Jeremy instinctively flinched at her touch. The reaction was small but immediate, and it sent a jolt of pain through Solene. Her smile faltered, but she quickly regained her composure. She rubbed his arm gently, attempting to soothe him without pressing further. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice low and reassuring. "It's okay."
She swallowed her worry, telling herself that he simply needed time, that it was normal to be distant after everything he'd been through. He's home now, she reminded herself. Everything else can wait.
But Jeremy's eyes darted around the area, as if searching for something or someone else. Solene could see the exhaustion and tension in his every movement. He seemed on edge, unable to settle. She decided to take the long way around the crowd, hoping to avoid any more overwhelming stimuli.
As they neared the pickup spot, Solene noticed a man greeting other families. He turned toward them, raising a hand in a friendly wave. Confused, Solene glanced behind her, seeing no one else in their direction.
She hesitated, unsure of who he was, but waved back out of politeness. They probably knew about Jeremy or something. As they got closer, Solene noticed at a distance their name tag on his uniform: Collins. Her heart fluttered with a mix of gratitude and relief. It was the man who had kept her updated throughout the ordeal. She mouthed a quiet "thank you," feeling a surge of appreciation for the stranger who had become an unexpected lifeline.
Collins nodded back, a faint smile tugging at his lips before he turned to greet another family, his presence fading into the background.
At the vehicle, Solene suddenly became aware of how tightly Jeremy was gripping her wrist. His hold felt desperate, almost panicked, as if he feared she might let go. The intensity of his grasp was alarming, but Solene forced herself to stay calm. He just needs to feel safe, she thought, her mind working to rationalize what her heart struggled to process. The closer they got to the car, the more urgent his grip became, as though he were afraid of being left behind.
She squeezed his forearm supportively, trying to convey reassurance through her touch. But again, he flinched—a sharper reaction this time, like a wounded animal recoiling instinctively. The flinch was brief, but it sent a fresh wave of sorrow crashing over Solene. Her chest tightened with a painful awareness: He's changed more than I can see right now. Tears welled up, but she forced herself to smile, blinking rapidly to keep the tears at bay. She couldn't break down—not now, not when he needed her to be strong.
Jeremy walked ahead, his steps hurried, his gaze still distant. Solene followed silently, her own movements slower, burdened by the heavy ache settling deep in her chest. He just needs time, she told herself again. But a small voice in her mind wondered how much of the Jeremy she knew remained beneath the haunted, hollow exterior he now wore.
Fifteen minutes later, with help from the staff, Solene and Jeremy finally made it off the base and into the car. The door slammed shut behind Solene, and she exhaled deeply, trying to release some of the tension that had built up inside her. The engine rumbled to life, and as the car began to move, she gazed out the window, her body sinking back into the seat. Relief washed over her in waves. It's over. Jeremy was here, safe, and soon they would be home—away from everything that had brought them so much pain. Her heart swelled with a bubbling joy, a quiet excitement that made her want to cling to him and never let go.
She shifted closer, resting her head against his arm. But something felt wrong. Jeremy was rigid, his body stiff like a statue. Solene's brows furrowed, a pang of confusion cutting through her joy. Why is he so tense? Normally, he would lift his arm so she could curl up against his chest. She gently rubbed his cheek, her fingers tracing the familiar lines of his face, hoping for a reaction—some sign of the Jeremy she knew. But his eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, as if she weren't even there.
Solene turned away, disappointment settling over her like a cloud. She tried to dismiss it, telling herself that he just needed time to adjust. This person isn't the one I...
BANG!
The car hit a massive pothole, jarring everything inside. Solene's head snapped back against the headrest, and she groaned in pain. But before she could process anything, a scream filled the air—sharp, raw, and utterly primal.
"AHHHHH!"
Jeremy's terror erupted from deep within him, shattering the silence in a way that struck Solene to her core. His scream wasn't just loud—it was the sound of someone reliving a murder.
"No more! No MORE!" Jeremy cried, his voice breaking with sheer panic.
BANG, BANG!"
They were driving through a construction zone, and the road was littered with uneven bumps. Each jolt seemed to send Jeremy spiraling further into his fear. He writhed violently, curling into a ball as he pressed himself against the door, trying to shield himself from an unseen enemy. His breaths came in short, panicked gasps, each one more desperate than the last.
"Jeremy, Jeremy, come here. Shhh—" Solene tried to pull him toward her, her voice breaking as she attempted to comfort him.
But Jeremy was lost in his own terror, trapped in the memories of the crash. Each bump brought back the horror of that day—the deafening sounds, the violent jerking, the feeling of helplessness. He kicked out suddenly, his legs striking the window as he cried out again.
"NOOOO!"
His screams were gut-wrenching, piercing the small confines of the car. His body thrashed violently, his eyes wide and unseeing, as if he were trying to escape the nightmare playing out in his mind. Solene's heart pounded with fear and helplessness, her own breathing becoming rapid. He's back there again, she realized. The thought twisted her stomach painfully. This isn't just fear—it's terror.
"Jeremy! Jeremy, stop! JEREMY!" Solene shouted, trying to break through his panic as she attempted to restrain his kicks. But it was no use—he was too consumed by his memories. Each bump felt like another explosion, each jolt a reminder of the crash that had nearly taken his life.
BANG!
The van rattled from another pothole, sending Jeremy into a fresh wave of panic. He pushed against Solene with surprising force, trying to free himself from her grasp.
Tears streamed down his face, his cries ragged and filled with a desperation Solene had never heard before. He was no longer just afraid—he was trapped, as if the past had reached out and pulled him back into its grip. Why is this road even open?! Solene thought angrily, her own panic rising as she struggled to contain him.
"Please stop. Just STOP moving!" Solene shouted toward the driver, her voice strained with urgency. The driver glanced back in the mirror, then abruptly pressed the brakes. The sudden halt jolted them forward, and Solene instinctively tightened her hold on Jeremy, trying to keep him steady.
"Just breathe, Jeremy. I'm here," Solene whispered urgently, her voice soft but firm. She pulled him closer, wrapping her arms around his trembling frame. Jeremy's breathing was rapid, shallow, and erratic. He pressed his face into her stomach, clinging to her with a desperate strength, his body shaking violently.
The driver grabbed his walkie-talkie, quickly communicating the situation to dispatch. He turned back toward Solene, his face etched with concern. "Just sit tight, okay? Someone is coming to help."
Solene nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. She had never seen Jeremy like this, and the raw terror in his eyes was more devastating than she could have imagined. She held him tightly, rocking gently as she tried to soothe him.
"It's okay, Jeremy," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I'm right here." He clung to her desperately, his grip on her almost painful as he tried to bury himself in her embrace.
Jeremy's cries gradually softened into whimpers, though his body continued to tremble. His breathing remained erratic, coming in ragged gasps. Solene's hand cradled his head, fingers brushing through his hair in a soothing rhythm. His face was pressed hard against her stomach, his tears soaking through her shirt. The vulnerability in his posture tore at her heart—he seemed so lost, so broken.
Moments later, a team of paramedics arrived at the back door. The lead paramedic, a woman with a kind but steady expression, stepped inside first, followed by two male paramedics carrying medical bags. As they entered, Solene felt a mixture of relief and vulnerability wash over her. The reality of the situation hit her all at once—she wasn't equipped to help Jeremy alone, but the presence of help also forced her to confront the depth of his trauma.
"Hey, Jeremy, what's going on, bud?" the lead paramedic asked softly, her voice calm and soothing, designed to reassure.
Jeremy remained silent, his eyes squeezed shut as if trying to block out the world around him. Solene's heart ached as she watched him retreat into himself, as though even the simple sound of kindness was too much to bear. Her own thoughts raced wildly, an erratic mix of fear, guilt, and confusion. She felt like she was losing him all over again, this time to a battle happening within his mind—one she couldn't reach, couldn't understand.
The paramedics exchanged a knowing glance before turning to Solene, their eyes reflecting a blend of empathy and urgency.
"We hit some bumps in the road, and he started panicking and screaming," Solene explained, her voice shaky but as steady as she could manage. "I think it's a panic attack from the crash." The words tasted bitter in her mouth—saying them out loud made the reality even more jarring.
The paramedics nodded, their understanding providing a momentary sense of reassurance, though it wasn't enough to ease the tightness in Solene's chest.
"Alright, let's try to sit him up," the lead paramedic instructed, reaching out carefully to guide Jeremy into a more upright position. Solene shifted awkwardly, torn between wanting to shield Jeremy from the world and knowing she needed to give the paramedics room to work. But Jeremy wouldn't let go; his grip around her waist was iron-like, desperate. She felt the raw fear behind it, a tangible force that deepened her own helplessness.
Sensing Jeremy's dependence on Solene's presence, the paramedic gestured for her to stay close, recognizing that she was the only anchor he had. Solene adjusted herself, moving closer and sliding up into Jeremy's lap to help him sit upright. The closeness was both comforting and painful—it brought her face-to-face with just how broken he had become. How could someone so strong feel so fragile? she wondered, her heart caught between relief and despair.
"Can we get his jacket off? I need to check his blood pressure," the paramedic requested gently. Solene nodded, her movements deliberate and tender. She slipped her hand into Jeremy's arm sleeve, carefully easing the jacket down his stiff arms. Her fingers brushed against the worn leather, and she couldn't help but notice the tears along the seams—silent reminders of the crash that had scarred them both, inside and out.
The paramedic tried to distract Jeremy as she fastened the pressure cuff around his arm. "Hey, Jeremy, who's this pretty lady here? Is she your wife?" she asked lightly, trying to break through the walls of his tension.
Solene felt a blush creeping onto her cheeks, a surprising warmth in an otherwise cold moment. "No, I'm just his girlfriend," she replied, her voice trying to carry a note of lightness, but it came out forced, almost hollow. The paramedics chuckled gently, sensing the bond between the two.
After checking Jeremy's vitals, one of the male paramedics began wiping his arm with an alcohol pad, preparing for the injection. Solene's throat tightened as she watched, and she couldn't stop herself from asking, "What are you doing to him?" Her voice was laced with urgency, driven by an instinctual need to understand.
"We're going to give him a mild sedative," the medic explained softly. "It should help him sleep for the rest of the drive. You've still got about two hours to go, right?"
Solene nodded, her emotions a tangled mix of relief and dread. Relief that Jeremy might find some peace, even if brief; dread that this temporary fix couldn't touch the depths of what was truly broken. As the needle pierced his skin, a hushed, pained whimper escaped from Jeremy's throat. The sound pierced Solene's heart, wringing fresh tears from her eyes. She pressed her lips against his hair, unable to bear the sight of his suffering.
The paramedics stayed close as the medication began to take effect. Jeremy's body gradually relaxed, his tense muscles loosening one by one. His breathing steadied, each exhale quieter than the last. Despite the sedative's effect, his grip on Solene's arm remained firm, as if he feared losing her, even in sleep. It was both heartbreaking and comforting—a desperate need that resonated deeply with her own.
Solene continued to hold him close, tears now silent as they traced warm paths down her cheeks. It's okay, she kept telling herself. He's safe now. We're going home. But she couldn't ignore the nagging voice in her mind, whispering that this moment, however tender, was only the beginning of a long road ahead.
"I don't think he'll let me move him," Solene whispered, her voice tight with emotion, each word an effort to contain the sob that threatened to break free.
The paramedics nodded, recognizing the fragile bond between them. They opened her door gently, moving slowly so as not to disturb Jeremy. One paramedic carefully adjusted the seat back, allowing Solene to recline while still cradling him in her arms. His body remained limp against hers, his breathing uneven but gradually settling. Solene felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her, a heaviness that was more emotional than physical. She let herself sink into the seat, Jeremy's weight pressing against her chest—a burden she welcomed, despite the pain it carried.
With both of them settled more comfortably in the back, one of the paramedics draped Jeremy's battered jacket over him. Solene's gaze lingered on the torn leather, the small holes a stark reminder of the crash's violence. Her heart clenched at the sight, a silent witness to the horror they had both survived. She wondered how many more scars, seen and unseen, Jeremy carried beneath its worn surface.
"Thank you," Solene whispered to the paramedics, her voice barely audible but filled with gratitude. They nodded, understanding the depth behind her words, then stepped out and closed the door softly behind them.
As the vehicle started moving again, Solene exhaled deeply, as if trying to release the tension that had wrapped itself around her heart. She glanced down at Jeremy, her eyes tracing the lines of his face. He looked peaceful, but she knew it was only on the surface. The turmoil still lurked beneath, waiting to resurface.
Lowering her head, Solene pressed her lips gently to his hair. "Hey, I'm not going anywhere. I'll wake you when we're home," she whispered, her voice filled with a fierce, tender determination. She continued to rub his back gently, a silent promise that she wouldn't let go.
The car rumbled along the highway, the rhythmic hum a welcome contrast to the chaos of earlier. Solene's thoughts raced, and the tears she hadn't realized she was holding back began to burn her eyes. The days of waiting, the hours of uncertainty, and the unbearable weight of imagining the worst all came rushing back. She tried to let go of the fear, to focus on the simple fact that he was here, in her arms, and that they were going home together. But the fear lingered, a stubborn shadow that wouldn't leave.
Solene propped herself up slightly, brushing her fingers along Jeremy's jaw. His features were familiar, yet there was something new in them, something changed. His parted lips let out soft snores, a sound that both soothed and pained her. She watched him for a long moment, her gaze filled with both love and an overwhelming sense of loss. She leaned back slowly, exhaustion pulling at her body, but her mind clung to the reality of Jeremy's presence.
"Please drive us home safely," she said quietly, her voice barely more than a whisper, her eyes never leaving Jeremy's face. The driver gave a solemn nod, sensing the gravity of her words.
The car approached the highway, its tires humming steadily on the asphalt. The city lights blurred into a soft haze as they sped along, each mile bringing them closer to the familiarity of home. Solene leaned her head back against the seat, her body slowly unwinding. Despite the fatigue that tugged at her, a quiet resolve took root within her. Whatever they faced next, they would face it together.
She closed her eyes, allowing herself to drift into a light sleep, the scent of Jeremy's jacket mingling with the warmth of the car seat—a mix of comfort and bittersweet memories. As sleep began to take her, a heavy exhaustion settled over her like a protective blanket. But even in this fleeting rest, her arms remained securely around Jeremy, holding him close—protective, loving, unyielding.
The road stretched ahead, and as the car sped toward home, the promise of a new beginning lingered in the air. They had survived the crash, the separation, and the haunting echoes of trauma that still loomed over them. But now, wrapped in each other's arms, they would face the uncertainty of healing—step by fragile step.
...Till the Next Chapter...
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