Fear of Abandonment

Elias’s eyes snapped open the moment he heard someone coughing. He sat bolt upright in the chair and turned towards Callie. Her eyes were open. ‘Callie! You are awake!’ In a haze, Callie recognised Elias’s voice. Struggling, she forced her eyes open, greeted by the familiar sight of a white ceiling—a hospital room. Elias’s hand held hers, his calloused palm brushing against her skin. ‘Elias,’ she whispered weakly, her eyes glistening with tears. Her voice, frail, held a hint of disbelief. ‘Am I still dreaming?’ The last she knew, Elias was in custody. The Elias before her now felt like a dream, and she doubted her reality. Elias, red-eyed and exhausted, held her hands tightly, reassuring her, ‘Bunny, what are you talking about? Of course I’m real.’ Callie sighed. ‘Good…’ Relieved, she closed her eyes, slipping back into sleep. ‘Callie!’ Elias’s heart skipped a beat, fear gnawing at him. He rushed outside, calling for Jamison and the medical team. ‘Quick, take a look at her. She woke up