Chapter 209

Yuna looked at me with bright, hopeful eyes. "Keira, do you have a plan?"

I hesitated. Options existed, but could I risk what even Hayden wouldn't? Success would be wonderful, but failure… the thought of Hayden's unforgiveness was the least of my concerns. My true fear was breaking his heart irreparably.

Yuna's face fell, sensing my hesitation. "You don't, do you? Hayden's too scared; it's too risky. I understand. No one can be sure it'll work, given my condition." She sighed, then offered a weak smile, trying to mask her sadness. She didn't want to burden me. "It's fine. I'm happy with my life, however long it lasts. Maybe I'll surprise everyone and live to be a hundred," she joked, though her eyes contradicted her words. My heart sank. The thought of this amazing girl losing hope was unbearable. I needed to give her something—anything—to hold onto. "I know a doctor. She's an OB-GYN who studied abroad and knows many specialists, including top cardiologists. Maybe they can help."

"Seriously?" Yuna's eyes lit up, hope rekindled.

"Yes. I came to help," I said, realizing I was seriously considering assisting her, regardless of the risk.

The hope in her eyes was undeniable. Yuna didn't just want to survive; she wanted to truly live. Despite her seemingly perfect life, she yearned for more. She wanted to climb mountains, surf waves, feel the wind in her hair as she raced down open roads—things now impossible. She likely dreamed of love, marriage, children—all seemingly out of reach. Her beautiful life felt like a cage. She wasn't simply collecting dewdrops; she was gathering moments of solitude and longing, constant reminders of what was missing.

"Really? Thank you, Keira!" Yuna exclaimed, her face radiant. She raised her cup, offering a genuine toast.

"It's true," I replied, feeling the weight of responsibility. My words had given her a sliver of hope, visible in her eyes.

After tea, Yuna showed me to Hayden's room. "Keira, you'll stay here. Look how well I cleaned it!"

It was spotless. The window offered a breathtaking view of flowers and rolling hills. The room felt cozy and homey.

I unpacked, noticing framed photos—unexpected. I had family photos, remnants left by my parents, but I didn't expect Hayden's family to keep such things. I examined an old photo. Yuna joined me. "Hayden says these are of our parents when they were younger, but I don't remember them well," she said.

The photos echoed those in my house. One showed their mother holding a baby, their father holding another child—obviously Hayden and Yuna.

"Hayden told me our dad left soon after this was taken," Yuna said quietly, sadness in her voice.

The news struck me hard. I shifted my attention to another picture—a boy carrying a girl on his back.

"Is that Hayden carrying you?" I asked.

Yuna giggled, shaking her head. "Nope. He's carrying his—"

She stopped, biting her lip. Then, with a playful smile, she stuck out her tongue.

I understood. "Let me guess—his childhood sweetheart?"

Chapter 210