When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 200: Unspoken Support

Chapter 200: Unspoken Support

The doctor nodded. "He’s conscious but very weak. Please try to keep the visit short. He needs to rest as much as possible."

Elena turned to Zinnia, her voice wavering. "Let’s go, Zinnia. He’ll want to see you."

Samuel stepped forward, his voice calm and reassuring. "I’ll wait here. Take your time."

Zinnia looked at him, her eyes grateful, before turning to follow her mother toward the patient room. As they walked, she silently prayed that her father would recover without needing the risky surgery. The thought of losing him was too much to bear.

When they reached the room, Elena hesitated at the door before pushing it open. Zinnia followed her inside, her heart pounding as she saw her father lying in the hospital bed. His usually strong, commanding presence was diminished, his face pale and his breathing shallow. But when he opened his eyes and saw them, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"Ricardo," Elena said softly, taking his hand. "Zinnia’s here."

"Dad," Zinnia whispered, her voice breaking as she stepped closer. She took his other hand in hers, holding it gently. "You scared us."

Her father’s voice was faint but steady. "I’m sorry, sweetheart," he murmured. "I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me."

But Zinnia couldn’t hold back her tears. She gripped his hand tightly, silently vowing to do everything she could to help him get through this.

Inside the hospital room, the atmosphere remained quiet, save for the occasional hum of the machines monitoring Ricardo’s heartbeat. Elena sat on the edge of her husband’s bed, holding his hand gently. Zinnia remained by her father’s side, her eyes soft and worried.

"Don’t look so sad, Zinnia," Ricardo said weakly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I’m not leaving just yet."

"Don’t joke about that, Dad," Zinnia replied, her voice trembling despite the lightness in his tone. "You need to rest and get better. That’s all you need to focus on."

Elena stroked her husband’s hand, her expression calm but firm. "I’ll stay here tonight to keep an eye on him," she said softly, glancing at Zinnia. "You and Samuel should go home. It’s been a long day for both of you."

Zinnia turned sharply to her mother. "No, Mom, I’ll stay. I can—"

Elena cut her off gently but firmly. "You’ve been running around all day, Zinnia. You and Samuel need to rest. You’ll need your strength to handle the company while your father recovers. Let me stay with him."

Ricardo nodded weakly. "Listen to your mother, Zinnia. I’ll feel better knowing you’re getting some rest."

Zinnia hesitated, looking between her parents. Her father’s eyes, though tired, held reassurance, while her mother’s firm gaze left little room for argument. Finally, she sighed in resignation. "Alright... but promise you’ll call me if anything happens."

"I will," Elena replied, offering a small, comforting smile.

Samuel, who had been quietly observing from the doorway, stepped forward. "Come on, Zia," he said softly. "Let’s go. We’ll check in first thing tomorrow morning."

Reluctantly, Zinnia leaned down and kissed her father’s forehead. "Goodnight, Dad. Please rest."

"Goodnight, sweetheart," Ricardo murmured.

She hugged her mother briefly before turning to leave the room with Samuel.

---

The hospital corridors were quieter now, dimly lit as the day gave way to night. Zinnia walked beside Samuel, her steps heavy with fatigue. Neither of them spoke until they reached the car in the parking lot. Samuel opened the passenger door for her, and she slid inside wordlessly.

Once they were on the road, Samuel glanced at her. "You should eat something," he said softly.

Zinnia leaned her head back against the seat, her eyes staring out at the darkened city. "I’m not really hungry."

Samuel frowned slightly. "You need to eat, Zia. Skipping meals won’t help anyone."

She didn’t argue. Deep down, she knew he was right. After a few more minutes of silence, Samuel pulled into a quiet drive-thru. "I’ll grab us something quick," he said.

Zinnia turned to him. "You don’t have to—"

"I’m not asking, Zia," he said firmly, cutting her off.

She sighed but didn’t protest further. Samuel ordered two simple meals—nothing fancy, just enough to fill them. Once the food was packed and handed over, he drove toward home.

---

Back at the house, the air was still and quiet. Zinnia felt the heaviness of the day settle over her shoulders as they stepped inside. Samuel placed the food on the kitchen counter, unpacking it silently.

"Come eat," he said, breaking the silence.

Zinnia sat down at the small dining table, barely noticing what she was eating. Samuel sat across from her, eating his meal in silence. He watched her carefully, as if making sure she finished her food.

After a while, Zinnia pushed the empty container aside. "Thank you," she said quietly.

Samuel nodded. "You should get some sleep."

Zinnia stood and stretched slightly, feeling the exhaustion settle deeper in her bones. "You too," she replied softly.

As they walked to their respective bedrooms, Samuel paused at his door. "Goodnight, Zia."

She turned toward him, her face soft in the dim hallway light. "Goodnight, Sam. Thank you... for today."

His expression remained unreadable, but there was a faint gentleness in his tone as he replied, "Anytime."

With that, they each disappeared into their rooms, the house growing quiet once more.

---

The next morning, the sound of birds faintly chirping outside woke Zinnia. Sunlight streamed through the window, cutting through the heavy mood of the previous day. She sat up, rubbing her eyes before checking her phone for any updates from her mother. There was nothing alarming, just a simple message: "Your father is stable. I’ll see you later."

Feeling somewhat reassured, Zinnia got out of bed and prepared for the day.

When she stepped out of her room, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm food filled the air. Samuel was in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up and focused on the stove. It had become a routine over the past month—Samuel waking up first and preparing breakfast for them. Though Zinnia had been surprised at first, she’d grown used to it by now.