33. As Time Goes By

The evening brought silence to the hospital corridors. Only occasionally were the footsteps of passing nurses and the crackling announcements from outside the rooms heard.

Sofia was insistent on staying with me, but she also shouldn't leave her mother alone. My attempts to persuade her had been in vain. However, when Marco came in and took her over his shoulder out of the room, she had to face the reality that she needed to be with her mother.

For the two hours after I woke up, I wondered why Leo still hadn't arrived. During this time, only the doctor visited me to check on my health. Physically, I was fine, but the gaps in my memory left me deeply unsettled.

The door creaked slightly, letting in a bit more light. Leo entered slowly, a deep exhaustion in his eyes.

"You finally came," I said with a hint of resentment in my voice. He looked at me and said softly, with a sorrowful expression, "I'm sorry, baby." I noticed the heaviness in his steps as he approached the bed.

"I thought you wouldn't come," I said as my eyes followed him. He took off his jacket and put it over the chair. His hair, usually left free-flowing and wavy, was tied up now. The dark circles under his eyes clearly indicated he hadn't slept for days. I questioned him with my eyes, "How many days haven't you slept?" my voice tinged with worry.

The room was filled with Leo's fatigue, making me even more curious about why he was so concerned and tired.

"It's just been a while," he said. When I felt his lips on my hair, my eyes closed.

"I missed you, Leo,"

"I missed you too, Isabella," I lifted my hand and placed it on his cheek. It was clear he hadn't shaved in days. I stroked the stubble prickling my palm.

"Thank you for being with me," I said.

"What do you mean by that?" He pressed his lips to the inside of my palm.

"We've only known each other for a few weeks, but you've been with me for days and haven't left," I stated. It was true. Sofia had told me that Leo hadn't left my side for a moment.

"You couldn't possibly have thought I would really leave, could you, baby?"

"You could have left," I replied with a bitter voice. If I had woken up and he wasn't there, I wouldn't have blamed him. I loved making love with him. I certainly liked him, but I hadn't expected him to wait for a woman who was on the brink of death.

"Bella, I like you."

"Leo,"

"I love making love to you, you silly woman. I love being with you. I love it when you stand up to me. I adore it when you suddenly want to take your colors and paint me."

I silently looked into his eyes. "You don't have to say anything, Bella. I'm here because I want to be, with you, and I promise I'll continue to stay," he said.

Even though there was an odd silence in the room, I couldn't speak. I didn't know what to say.

The next morning when I woke up, I found Leo sleeping in the chair.

Leo slowly opened his eyes and noticed me looking at him. Our eyes met for a moment, with a deep understanding words couldn't express. There was a silent communication between us in the air. Despite his fatigue, Leo said with a faint smile, "Seems I've chosen a poor place to sleep."

I chuckled softly in response to his innocent confession. "Don't make it a habit," I said gently, placing my fingers over his hand.

He tightly gripped my fingers. "I do enjoy being by your side, but not in this sterile hospital room."

Leo nodded, his hair falling onto his forehead. "Once we get out of here, perhaps we can plan a vacation together. Just you and me, away from all the world's chaos. It'd help in my recovery and allow both of us to relax."

A smile tugged at the corner of my lips. "Where would you like to go?" I asked, trying to envision his dream.

"Somewhere by the seaside, distant and peaceful," Leo said, his eyes shining with imagination. "Just you, me, and the sound of the ocean. Lying on the sand, watching the stars..."

"That sounds wonderful," I responded, excitement swelling in my heart. "But first, we need to get out of here." I looked carefully at Leo's pale face. "Don't rush. You just woke up," I said in a gentle tone.

As Leo moved closer to me, he asked with an innocent curiosity in his eyes, "You know, if we weren't here and were somewhere else right now, what would you want to do?"

"Hmm," I pondered, "Walk on a beach, dance in the moonlight... And of course, watch a movie with you."

A glint appeared in Leo's eyes, "Which movie would you want to watch?"

"Perhaps a classic. Like Casablanca," I replied with a smile.

He laughed, "Casablanca in a hospital room? An interesting choice."

"You know, classics never fade," I replied, a twinkle in my eye.

With earnestness, Leo said, "Just like your beauty," and he briefly pressed his lips to mine.

My eyes sparkled, "How can we make today even more special?"

Leo pondered, "We could hum a song, together. A song that always reminds us of this moment."

After a moment's thought, I asked, "Which song would you choose?"

Leo responded, "As Time Goes By... the legendary song from Casablanca. What do you think?" hope shining in his eyes.

I paused for a second, allowing the weight of his suggestion to sink in. "I think that's a perfect choice," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.

He shifted slightly in the bed, making room for me to sit closer. "Will you sing with me?" he asked, hope twinkling in his eyes.

"I'd love to," I replied, nestling closer to him. We didn't need any music. The atmosphere of the room, filled with our shared emotions, was enough.

With a deep breath, we began to hum the melody. Our voices, though soft and hesitant at first, gradually grew confident, weaving together in perfect harmony. The iconic lyrics flowed between us, bringing warmth to the cold hospital room.

The nursing staff, hearing our soft duet, paused outside the door, respecting our private moment. It was a reminder of love's power to transcend the hardest of circumstances.

As the last note faded away, Leo looked deeply into my eyes. "Promise me something," he whispered.

"Anything," I replied without hesitation.

"When all of this is over, when I'm well again, let's not wait for the perfect moment. Every moment with you is perfect. Let's chase sunsets, dance under the stars, and live our days filled with love."

Tears welled up in my eyes. "I promise," I whispered back, sealing our vow with a tender kiss.

In that hospital room, amidst the beeps of machines and sterile surroundings, we found the most authentic and profound connection. And while the future was uncertain, our love was a beacon, promising brighter days ahead.