The ride back to the hospital felt different now. There was a lightness in the air, a sense that even in the midst of everything they were going through, there were still moments of normalcy, of small comforts that could make all the difference. Joelle's hand rested on her stuffed bunny, a tiny smile on her face as she looked out the window. It was a fleeting moment of peace, but one that she treasured.

Jey kept the car radio on low, his gaze occasionally flicking over to Joelle, checking in with her in the most nonchalant way possible. He didn't push her to talk more than she was ready to, but his presence was enough, and that in itself was a gift.

When they arrived at the hospital parking lot, the towering structure loomed ahead, its sterile exterior reminding them both of the long road they still had ahead. But something had shifted in Joelle's demeanor. She wasn't as tense as she'd been earlier, and although the worry for Malachi remained heavy in her heart, there was a sense of strength she hadn't had when they'd left.

"Ready to go back?" Jey asked gently, turning off the engine.

Joelle nodded, holding the stuffed bunny in her lap. "Yeah, I think so."

Jey gave her a small smile. "You're doing great, Joelle. Seriously."

She met his gaze for a moment, her lips curving up slightly. "Thanks, Jey. I really appreciate today. I didn't think I needed a break, but it helped more than I thought it would."

"I'm glad," Jey said. "Anytime you need to talk or take a break, I'm here. Don't forget that."

Joelle gave him a grateful look, then opened the door and stepped out of the car. She took a deep breath as the cool air hit her face, straightening her shoulders as she approached the hospital doors.

Inside, the sterile smell of antiseptic and faint beeping of machines greeted them. The quiet was a stark contrast to the outside world, but Joelle was used to it by now. She could still hear the quiet hum of the machines in her brother's room, still feel the heaviness of what was going on. But something about today, something about the small moments with Jey, made it easier to face.

They walked down the hallway toward Malachi's room, and as they reached the door, Joelle's heart skipped a beat. She didn't want to see him looking so small and vulnerable, but she knew she had to be there for him.

Jey gave her a quick nod. "I'll be right here, okay?"

Joelle nodded, grateful for his constant presence. She pushed open the door and walked into the room, where Roman and Isabella were sitting with Malachi. Her little brother was still hooked up to the machines, but he was awake now, his bright brown eyes watching her with curiosity.

"Hey, little man," Joelle said, her voice soft, trying to hide the tremble she felt inside. She walked over to the side of his bed and sat down, placing the stuffed bunny beside him. "I got you something."

Malachi's eyes lit up as he reached for the bunny, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Bunny!"

Joelle chuckled, her heart easing just a little as Malachi hugged the stuffed animal tightly to his chest. "Yeah, I thought you might like it. I know you're probably getting tired of the hospital stuff."

Malachi nodded, looking up at her with big eyes. "Thank you, Joelle."

Roman, sitting at the other side of the bed, gave her a soft smile. "He's been asking about you all day."

"I've been here," Joelle said, trying to keep her tone light, though her heart still ached seeing him like this. "Just needed a little break, you know?"

Isabella, who had been quietly watching her kids interact, turned her gaze toward Joelle. She could see how much her daughter had changed since earlier in the day. The stiff shoulders were gone, and there was a subtle lightness to her expression.

"That's good," Isabella said. "You've been holding a lot together lately, Joelle."

Joelle nodded but didn't say anything more. She didn't need to explain how tired she was, how everything felt so out of her control. Roman had been there for her, Isabella too, and even Jey had helped her more than she realized.

She smiled at Malachi. "You're gonna get through this, buddy. I know you will."

Malachi gave her a tired smile in return, his eyes already beginning to droop. "I'll be okay."

Joelle's heart swelled with love for her little brother. Despite everything, his strength was something to be admired.

Roman looked over at her with a soft, almost relieved expression. "You've been so strong, Joelle. I know this isn't easy."

Joelle shrugged. "I'm just trying to be there for him."

"You are," Isabella said softly. "And I can't tell you how much that means to us."

Joelle nodded but didn't know what to say next. The words felt like they were all tangled up inside her, emotions she wasn't ready to unpack yet. But in that moment, with her family surrounding her and Malachi holding his new bunny close, Joelle allowed herself to just be. For the first time in a while, she didn't feel so alone in this journey.

Roman gave her a quiet look of gratitude, then turned to Malachi. "You get some rest, okay, champ? We'll be here when you wake up."

Malachi nodded and snuggled deeper into his hospital bed, clutching the stuffed bunny tightly. Joelle stayed by his side, quietly watching him drift off to sleep. She felt a shift inside her-a sense of peace, knowing that no matter what happened, her family would face it together.

Jey stepped into the room quietly, standing just behind Joelle. He gave her a gentle tap on the shoulder. "How's he doing?"

Joelle turned to look at him. "He's okay for now. Just needs some sleep."

Jey nodded, then looked over at Malachi. "He's tough."

Joelle smiled faintly. "He really is."

As the day stretched on, they all remained by Malachi's side, offering quiet words of comfort when he stirred, and holding each other up in the silence that filled the room. It wasn't easy, but they had each other. And for that, Joelle was grateful.