Brielle stepped into Finnigan's room after completing her rounds. It had been over a week since the accident, and every day she entered with a sliver of hope clutched to her chest. Today, that hope felt a little heavier in her hands-because Finnigan was making progress. His heart had grown strong enough to beat on its own. The ventilator was gone.

She sank into the chair beside him, gently threading her fingers through his tousled hair.

"Hey, baby. It's me again," she whispered, a soft chuckle breaking the stillness. "I probably sound like a broken record, checking on you all the time." She smiled faintly, her thumb grazing his cheek. "I just... I can't get enough of your adorable face."

She exhaled shakily. "You've been sleeping so much. I miss you. Don't you think it's time to open those eyes?"

Her voice trembled as tears brimmed at the edges of her vision.

"I had a little patient today. A nine-year-old boy-so cheeky, but so sweet. He reminded me of you." She smiled through her tears. "Maybe one day, we'll have a kid like that. Maybe more. I don't want to waste any more time. I regret letting my ego run our marriage for so long."

Tears spilled freely now, her words catching in her throat. And then-she saw it.

A glint. A shimmer of wetness at the corner of Finnigan's eyes.

Her breath caught.

"Finn?" she whispered. "Can you hear me?" Her hands found his. "If you can, just... squeeze my hand. Just a little."

She waited.

And then-it happened. The faintest movement. A gentle squeeze.

A choked sob escaped her lips as she brought his hand to her mouth and kissed it again and again.

"You're still fighting," she breathed. "That's my Finn. I knew you'd come back to me." She leaned forward, brushing her lips against his. "I'm right here, always. I'll be waiting to see those beautiful blue eyes."

This had become her rhythm. She came every day after work, leaving only long enough to freshen up or keep the house in order. It wasn't just devotion-it was survival. He was her anchor, and as long as he fought, so would she.

But the exhaustion was starting to take its toll. Her body was running on autopilot, her mind half-submerged in worry. She had barely slept since Finnigan slipped into a coma.

Her parents arrived quietly that afternoon and paused when they saw her sleeping beside him. Despite their concern, there was a soft look in their eyes-one of relief. Brielle had changed.

She stirred at the sound of footsteps and opened her eyes slowly. "I'm sorry," she mumbled, rising from the bed. "I didn't hear you come in."

"It's alright," her mother said gently, pulling her into an embrace. "You need rest, sweetheart."

"How is he?" she asked softly, eyes flicking toward Finnigan.

"I think he's improving. I told him to squeeze my hand, and he did," Brielle said, the spark of hope returning to her eyes. "It was small, but it was real."

Her mother smiled, squeezing her hand. "That's a big step forward. He's coming back."

Brielle nodded, her heart swelling at the thought. "Yeah. He is."

Turning toward her father, she hesitated. His expression was unreadable but warm.

"I thought you were still upset with me... for everything," he said quietly.

Brielle took a step forward and embraced him. "I'm not. You were right about him. Finn's... everything. I just wish I'd seen it sooner."

Her father hugged her tighter, his voice thick. "It's not too late. He's still here, and when he wakes up, you can tell him everything you've been holding in."

She nodded, tears threatening again.

"I'm glad you came around. I know this isn't easy," he whispered, brushing her hair gently. "But I'm proud of you."

"Thanks, Dad. For everything," she murmured with a small, genuine smile.

He kissed her forehead before gently pulling away. "We have some errands to run. We'll come again soon."

"Okay, Dad. See you both later," she said, walking them to the door. Her mother reminded her once again to eat something and take care of herself.

As they left, she leaned back against the door for a moment, breathing in slowly. Then, glancing at her watch, she realized it was time to grab a quick meal before heading back to work.

Before leaving, she returned to the room and took Finnigan's hand once more.

"Hey, love. I have to go now, okay? So behave while I'm gone," she teased softly, pressing a kiss to his lips. "I'll be back after my shift."

She brushed his hair gently and whispered, "I love you. Always."

She turned, wiping away a tear with a small, hopeful smile, and stepped out of the room.